The amount of untested rape kits with the Missouri State Highway Patrol's crime lab has substantially increased since last August, when a new law mandating police to submit kits within 14 days took effect.
The Kansas City Star reports that as of May 1, 403 kits were untested. The agency's website, which posts monthly updates, shows there were 179 in August.
The figures indicate the kits are not being tested at a higher rate despite more continuing to be submitted. Advocates say that increasing kit testing should also be required.
MSHP director Brian Hoey says that some highway patrol lab workers have been moved within the division and a new section in the lab designed to screen kits is being established.
