‘RAPE KITS’ FOR SUSPECTS

New York Post/David Seifman

Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday that forensic kits to collect evidence from rape victimshave become routine, but now the city if going to start using similar kits to get the goods onsuspects, too.  Officials said police would have to get an emergency court order or asuspect's consent before collecting DNA, hair and other samples within a 96-hour window.  Thekits' greatest use would be in cases involving child victims since there are cases where a child istoo young to be sworn.  Officials estimated that the standardized kits for suspects wouldmake a difference in 300 of the 1,400 rape cases a year here.

(New York)