Boston Police Crime Lab Facing Scrutiny Over Failure to Test Rape Kits Within 30 Days

The Boston police crime lab is under scrutiny after a top official admitted that they may not be able to follow the state law requiring rape kits to be tested within 30 days. The lab director has been on leave since August 2022, and City Councilor Ed Flynn called for a hearing after learning that half of all rape kits were not tested within the required time frame. Other issues, such as the lab not using a DNA screening technique employed by other labs, were also brought up during the hearing. The lab has been without a director since August, and efforts are being made to address the issues and ensure compliance with state law. City councilors plan to visit the lab and work with the police department to improve the situation.