Boston councilors press police lab on staffing, 30‑day testing mandate and plan for Y‑screening

Boston City Councilors on Sept. 15 pressed Boston Police Department officials over leadership, staffing and technology at the Boston Police Forensic Laboratory, focusing on whether the lab can sustain a state-mandated 30‑day turnaround for sexual assault kit screening and on plans to add Y‑screening technology. Deputy Superintendent Victor Evans and the lab’s quality‑assurance director, Kevin Lared, told the council the consolidated forensic division is meeting the 30‑day requirement for the current fiscal year but acknowledged limits on capacity and the need for new equipment and staff.

At a hearing convened by Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice Chair Henry Santana, lead sponsor Councilor Flynn said the panel must “do everything we can” to ensure timely testing and modern technology for survivors and families. “It is critical that the Boston Police Department crime lab is drawing the talent and leadership it needs to run effectively,” Flynn said.

Why it matters: The state requires screening of sexual assault kits within 30 calendar days; councilors said meeting that deadline is central to public trust and to victims’ rights. Councilors also pressed officials about a $1,000,000 council amendment intended to bring Y‑screening capability to the lab and asked why that funding did not produce an immediate rollout.

Most important facts: Deputy Superintendent Victor Evans said…