How SAK Tracking Systems Improve Accountability, Timely Testing, and Victim Support

Forensic Advantage
Apr 29
3 min read

SAK tracking systems improve forensic accountability, timely testing, and support victim rights through transparency.

Across the nation, efforts to reform how sexual assault kits (SAKs) are managed have gained renewed urgency. For survivors, justice often hinges not only on forensic evidence but on the timely and transparent processing of that evidence. The adoption of sexual assault kit tracking systems has become a critical component in improving outcomes for both forensic laboratories and survivors.

At Forensic Advantage Systems (FAS), our SAK Tracking software was built with one goal: accountability at every step. From evidence collection at the hospital to analysis in the crime lab and beyond, our platform ensures kits are never misplaced, delayed, or overlooked.

Why SAK Tracking Systems Matter

A well-implemented SAK tracking system brings numerous benefits to the forensic process:

1. Improved Accountability

One of the biggest issues that led to historical backlogs of untested SAKs was the absence of centralized tracking. FAS’s SAK Tracking software provides real-time visibility into each kit’s location, status, and chain of custody. This allows agencies, labs, and prosecutors to monitor where kits are, who is responsible for them, and whether deadlines are being met.

All tracking activity is logged and timestamped, ensuring audit-ready transparency and easy compliance with evolving legislation and grant reporting requirements.

2. Timely Testing and Processing

Delays in processing SAKs risk the degradation of evidence and impact survivors’ ability to pursue justice. With automatic status updates, notifications, and data sharing capabilities, the FAS SAK Tracking system enables:

Early intervention when a kit remains idle past due dates
Streamlined workflows between medical providers, law enforcement, and labs
Reduced time to analysis and faster report delivery

Timely testing also helps identify serial offenders through CODIS entries and can prevent future crimes, making SAK tracking a public safety imperative.

3. Survivor Access and Empowerment

Perhaps most importantly, the system includes secure access portals for survivors. Depending on jurisdictional policy, survivors may log in to view real-time updates about their kit, such as whether it has been received by the lab or if testing is complete.

This level of transparency is transformative. It reduces the trauma associated with feeling forgotten or left out of the investigative process and contributes to a sense of closure and dignity.

FAS: Designed for Lab and Agency Efficiency

The FAS SAK Tracking platform is built on our deep understanding of forensic workflows. Some of the key features include:

Role-based permissions for medical staff, law enforcement, prosecutors, and lab technicians
Full integration with LIMS, allowing case information and lab results to sync seamlessly
Audit logs and custom reporting to support legislative compliance and grant funding metrics
Automated alerts for overdue kits or incomplete documentation
Cloud or on-premises deployment based on agency preferences and security protocols

Supporting Statewide and Local Initiatives

FAS works with large and small agencies to implement kit tracking solutions that scale. Whether you’re looking to fulfill the requirements of a SAKI (Sexual Assault Kit Initiative) grant or implement a tracking program as part of a broader evidence reform effort, we can help you meet your goals.

Our implementation specialists provide hands-on support and training to ensure every stakeholder, from hospital staff to district attorneys, can navigate the system easily and efficiently.

The Path Forward

Sexual assault kit tracking is more than just a compliance solution. It’s a statement of commitment to victims, a tool for justice, and a safeguard against the systemic issues of the past.

With FAS’s SAK Tracking software, forensic labs and investigative agencies can confidently manage evidence, shorten case timelines, and rebuild trust. One kit at a time.