Highlighting the issues at the forefront, the discussion revealed that the Boston Police Crime Lab is operating without a permanent director and is grappling with a staffing shortage that has raised concerns over its ability to meet the 30-day mandate for testing sexual assault kits. Council members voiced their concerns about the lab’s capacity to comply with the timeframe due to these staffing challenges and the ambitious nature of the requirement. It was noted that the absence of a permanent director is affecting morale and the flow of work within the lab. Questions were raised about the ability of the acting director and staff to dedicate their full attention to the crime lab’s responsibilities, given their other duties.

The crime lab’s processing of sexual assault evidence kits was a central topic, with the lab reportedly receiving a total of 35 kits, 14 of which tested positive and were sent for DNA testing. The council discussed the technical complexities involved in processing the kits and how staffing shortages impacted the workflow. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations and expectations was also highlighted, with suggestions for a follow-up hearing to further explore the realistic expectations and support needed for the crime lab.

The council debated the decision not to implement Y-screening, an advanced testing method for rape kits, and the implications this decision had on the lab’s ability to turn around results in a timely manner. There was also discussion about the importance of providing survivors with timely results and the potential impact of residency requirements on hiring decisions for a permanent director. Council members stressed the need for understanding the challenges faced by the crime lab, with one councilor expressing an intention to visit the facility for a closer look at its operations.

Moreover, the Deputy Superintendent of the Boston Police Department brought attention to the dedication of the crime lab employees, despite the obstacles they face. The Deputy Superintendent invited council members to visit the lab, emphasizing the importance of firsthand knowledge of the lab’s challenges to inform their decisions and support. The accreditation process of the crime lab was mentioned, with the Deputy Superintendent providing details about the criteria involved