Boston Crime Lab Tests Half of Rape Kits Late, Council Demands More Resources

BOSTON — April 26, 2024 — Boston's police crime lab tested only 5 percent of DNA-confirmed sexual assault kits within the state's 30-day mandate in fiscal year 2023, a City Council hearing revealed Friday. Councilor Henry Santana, Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, convened the hearing on docket 0507, sponsored by Councilor Edward M. Flynn, who called the situation "not good management practice" and pushed BPD leadership to resolve the 18-month absence of a permanent crime lab director — a civilian position paying roughly $147,000 per year — within 30 days. Deputy Superintendent Victor Evans said the lab received 186 sexual assault kits in FY23 and missed the deadline on 93 of them, with an average DNA kit turnaround of 95 calendar days against the state's 30-day requirement. The lab's 47-person forensics division faces two current vacancies, two more expected within 60 days, and two upcoming parental leaves, while a prior budget request for six new positions at $397,000 was partially funded at $165,000. Flynn urged the council to advocate in the current budget cycle for more staff, a larger facility, and a residency waiver for civilian crime lab analysts.