The Polson Police Department was awarded the Montana Department of Justice Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant to renovate and improve its evidence storage facilities with the goal of preserving the integrity of sexual assault DNA evidence. 

With this $80,000 grant, the department will receive a freezer-less refrigerator and a dehumidifier. These items will significantly improve the department’s ability to properly store its sexual assault evidence. Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels year-round is critical for optimal DNA preservation, according to a statement from Polson Police Chief George Simpson. 

This grant was established to assist local law enforcement agencies in enhancing their evidence storage capabilities for sexual assault evidence. The state was given this grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. 

The federal initiative has been in action since 2016, according to the Montana Department of Justice website. Since the start of this program, the Montana Department of Justice has been able to address the backlog of sexual assault kits and inventory 3,482 kits. 

The Montana DOJ is handling the procurement and shipment to the department, causing no administrative or financial burden on city staff. Simpson said in the statement that this is highly beneficial to the department and the city, and that they appreciate the opportunity to participate in the program.