The Fort Worth Police Department has made significant progress in addressing a backlog of nearly 900 sexual assault kits, reducing the number of overdue cases to 708 from 898 since October. Chief Neil Noakes reported that the department has tested 190 additional kits recently and is actively filling five vacant forensic scientist positions to enhance lab capacity. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will assist with new cases once a contract is finalized, while the department continues to handle existing cases. To improve communication, 30 detectives have begun contacting victims to update them on their cases, and new protocols ensure victims are informed of any testing delays. The Office of the Police Oversight Monitor has been engaged to provide oversight on the lab's operations, and the department is also exploring partnerships with other forensic labs for additional support. Noakes acknowledged past shortcomings and emphasized a renewed commitment to resolving the backlog effectively.