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Sexual Assault Kit Projects

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to improving responses to sexual violence through statewide, coordinated efforts. Identifying and implementing best practices for addressing sexual assault kits (SAKs) is critical to enhancing the criminal justice response to sexual assault.

Nationwide, there has been a push to reform how sexual assault kits are addressed, legislatively and procedurally. In January 2017, the Alaska Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) was launched to evaluate approaches to sexual assault cases across our state.

Survivors of sexual assault deserve justice. DPS believes these projects and publication of their data is a way to continue strides in that direction.

Project Navigation

Key Stakeholders (click to open section)

These projects have had input from key stakeholders, including survivors and agencies working with survivors across the state.

At the start of the DPS SAKI project, a number of stakeholders statewide were identified by the Governor's Office and DPS to serve on the SAKI working group. It was important to have a variety of perspectives represented on the working group. The working group ensures the recommendations and procedures set forth through the life of the project are survivor-centered and trauma-informed.

The SAKI working group consists of members from:

Alaska Department of Public Safety
Alaska Department of Law
Alaska Office of the Governor
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Alaska State Troopers
Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory
Anchorage Police Department
Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
ADE Forensic Consulting
Bering Sea Women's Group
Office of Victims' Rights
Standing Together Against Rape
University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center

Additional key stakeholders contributing to kit tracking project:

Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Juneau Police Department
Kodiak Area Native Association Child Advocacy Center
Providence Anchorage Medical Center Forensic Nursing Services
Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Reports

UAA Justice Center Report

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Justice Center is a respected, independent resource for research in the state of Alaska. The UAA Justice Center was established by the Alaska Legislature in 1975 and is a research unit in the College of Health in UAA. Their mission is to "provide statewide justice-related education, research, and service. The Justice Center is an interdisciplinary unit that provides undergraduate graduate, and professional education; conducts research in the areas of crime, law, and justice; and provides services to government units, justice agencies, and community organizations throughout urban and rural Alaska to promote a safe, healthy, and just society."

The DPS Sexual Assault Kit Initiative enlisted the services of the UAA Justice Center to conduct comprehensive research on how Alaska DPS and partners could improve their practices related to sexual assault investigation, prosecution, and victim engagement and support.

Resources & Reporting Options

For immediate response, call 911

If someone has sexually assaulted you, you are not alone. And, you have options, such as:

Reporting to law enforcement
Participating in a medical exam
Going through an anonymous report process where evidence is collected, but no police report is filed
Being supported by an advocate throughout any option

To learn more about your options and assistance, see more resources for survivors and/or connect with an advocate.

In the News

DPS receives grant for kit tracking software. Read the press release.

The 2020 SAKI Interim Report & Recommendations document is now available. Read the report.

SAKI Cases Update
Carmen Perzechino, Jr., 59, convicted by a jury following a three-week trial on two counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree and one count of Kidnapping. Read the press release.