MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong says the agency has around 12,000 untested rape kits and it will cost more than $4 million to process them all.
The number is about 4,000 more than previously reported.
Some of the kits date from the 1980s, which has angered advocates for rape victims.
Media reported that Armstrong made the comments this week in response to an order issued in October by Memphis Mayor AC Wharton.
Wharton ordered police to create a plan to begin testing all rape kits as soon as possible and to update city officials on the progress each month.