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Sheriff's forensic lab wins $2.36M DOJ grant to clear backlog of untested sexual‑assault kits; board demands faster timetable
Summary
The Sheriff's Office forensic laboratory secured a $2,362,500 DOJ grant to test hundreds of previously untested sexual‑assault kits; the board approved the grant and asked for a 60‑day progress report and that quarterly state reports be shared with the board.
San Mateo County's forensic laboratory will receive $2,362,500 from the California Department of Justice to test untested sexual‑assault evidence kits, the Board of Supervisors voted Oct. 7 after hearing from laboratory director Samantha Del Porto.
Director Del Porto said the lab estimates roughly 450 untested kits remain countywide (initial statewide audits in 2019 reported higher numbers). She explained capacity limits in the local lab and that modern STR DNA testing became routine only in the 2000s; the grant will fund outside laboratory testing and related work under a grant term through June 30, 2028. "This grant will allow us to get all of our untested sexual assault kits in San Mateo County tested," Del Porto said.
Supervisors pressed for a faster timeline. Supervisor Spear described nearby counties that have cleared backlogs and urged the county to use Measure K or other funds if necessary to accelerate testing before 2028. The board adopted the grant acceptance resolution and — by motion — required a 60‑day report back on the RFP and asked that the quarterly reports to DOJ on testing progress be shared with the board while the backlog is being cleared.
Del Porto said the lab currently tests new kits within mandated timelines and will release an RFP for outside testing with a timeline the board requested be reported back within 60 days.
