Charlotte Mental Health Group Reports 3-Year Rape Kit Testing Backlog

A group of Charlotte mental health workers has sounded an alarm about untested rape kits piling up at the police department. Their message to officials: three years is too long to wait.

These specialists sent a stark warning to state leaders, police chiefs, and county officials. The backlog puts public safety at risk, they wrote in their urgent plea for action.

"We are delaying prosecution. Oftentimes, these folks can be repeat offenders. This is a massive safety concern," said Kaci Pennington, the group's founder, according to Queen City News.

Their letter asks for quick cash to hire more staff. The current wait hurts victims badly, says counselor Emily Reiner. "If you can't trust the system to find and persecute the perpetrator, then you are stuck in this place: 'Well, I'm just a victim and nobody cares,'" she told Queen City News.

Police officials stay quiet when asked about test times. While the DA's office thinks police put these tests first, they passed the questions back to law enforcement.

"To see that justice is delayed and delayed and delayed, it's heartbreaking," Reiner said. The staff points to clients who've waited years for answers.

These workers want faster test results to keep streets safer. "It's a way to show the community that safety is a priority," Reiner added. "These crimes won't stay hidden."