Expert: Loren Stevens - 11/29/2009

Question
QUESTION:  
Who had jurisdiction for the investigation of murders in Boston between 1935 and 1971. My understanding is that the State Police have jurisdiction now. Would Boston PD have gotten involved at all? Who did the forensics? State lab?


ANSWER: Hello Linda,
Please know, that I am guessing...usually, in American law enforcement, here is how it works.
If the city is incorporated, and has a municipal police department, they usually work the crimes in that jurisdiction.
If it is in an unincorporated are, i.e., either a township, or county, the county Sheriff's office will usually work the crimes in that jurisdiction. If the county where the offense occurred, or was discovered, then, the state police would work it.
The reason I parse my words, is because there are a variety of exceptions.
If the murder occurred in one jurisdiction, and was discovered in another, there could be a multi-agency investigation. Or, sometimes the two or more agencies involved will discuss the jurisdictional issues at the executive level of the agencies involved, and determine who has the most/best resources available. And, sometimes, the prosecuting office does all but investigate the case themselves, be it county prosecutor (District Attorney), or state A/G (Attorney General).
To further compound these issues, If the murder occurred on U.S. Post Office property, BIA property, or Rail-Road or any other federal property, the federal law enforcement agency of jurisdiction would work the case, typically, the FBI would be the LEAD agency.
If there are clear overlapping jurisdictions, there may be several agencies involved. Example, if there is an explosive device used, ATF would be involved, and so on. If there are combinations of city, county, state and federal agencies and jurisdictional concerns, along with what agencies work the case, they need to determine who is to be lead agency, and who submits the case for prosecution. Also, will it be prosecuted in state or federal court. Again, the prosecutors involved will determine who has the best/most resources to pony up.
If it is involving a high media interest case, you'll see an abundance of political "slap-n-tickle" in the mix, and a donnybrook on who will make relevant case releases to the media.
Also, you might want to check, to ascertain if any police services, and attendant work is "contracted" out to other agencies.

Anyhow, to your specific interest. I would suggest you speak with an authority figure in law enforcement in the Boston area, or talk with a research person with IACP.
Hope this is more helpful, than confusing.
Regards,
loren

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I know that one author who is extremely  popular had a murder in Massachusetts and stated that murders in that state were handled by the State Police NOT the local cops. It was a very flat...this is the way it is, period. She usually does really good research, so this really threw me off.  If you have someone on the 'panel' who has experience in MA perhaps they could field this one?

Answer
Hello again.
Each expert is an individual responder. There is no panel in this mix. Often times, those with questions, will post it as not a private quest, where other experts can jump in if they so desire.
I don't know what author you are referring to, and maybe they are correct in their perception...And, I am not an expert on specific east coast jurisdictional concerns.
All that said, I have an extremely difficult time grasping the notion that Boston PD does not have the wherewithal to investigate murders in their jurisdiction.
I'd bet dinner on it, if I were a betting man.
Other major and mid-sized cities in Mass would also have the authority to investigate crimes against the person, in their jurisdiction.
But, that is my best opinion.
You may want to go up on the official web site of the Massachusetts Attorney General, and pose the question, to A/G Martha Coakley.
Hope you find the answers you seek.
Good Luck,
loren