A broad administrative inquiry into the management failures at the now-shuttered state drug analysis laboratory in Jamaica Plain should be conducted by an independent investigator with the power to subpoena witnesses. Leaving the probe in the hands of the state attorney general’s office opens too many avenues for potential conflicts of interest.
The Massachusetts Bar Association and prominent legal defense groups have no qualms about the attorney general’s criminal investigation of Annie Dookhan, the former chemist suspected of tainting drug evidence at the lab. Nor should they. It was the attorney general’s office, in conjunction with the State Police, that uncovered the Dookhan mess in the first place. But the legal groups reasonably object to a broader investigation being placed under the control of a state agency that could be perceived as having a stake in the outcome. The attorney general necessarily has close working relationships with district attorneys and the State Police, and there’s a possibility that the AG’s office could be called upon to defend the Commonwealth in future litigation related to the lab scandal.
Comments
The buck really stops at the Governor's office. We need an independent investigator.
The only way to obtain "untainted" responses is with an independent investigator- or - a FEDERAL investigator. We have observed that the Feds provide thorough investigations.
The state has a tendency to white-wash any investigation into their administration.
Absolutely! What argument could be made for not having an independent inquiry, other than attempting to cover up the mess that was that lab? It amazes me how something like this could even happen. The lab plays such a critical role in the legal process. How could it be managed in such a way that innocent people were incarcerated and dangerous felons will soon be turned loose on the public from tainted evidence. It seems to be that there were a lot of people asleep at the wheel. Just another example of the waste, corruption and ineptitude that goes on in our state agencies. Really makes you feel good about funding the state!
Oh come on now! An independent investigator will ruin the pols' opportunities for extortion and corruption. Ok, ok, maybe not ruin, but certainly limit. Think of all that extra money coming into the system. A bonanza!
The $64, 0000 question: "How did standards at the lab disintegrate right under the noses of the state Department of Public Health?"
Could the answer to that question be - the DPH Administrator for the State Lab - was NOT located at the State Lab, but was located in an office on the 11th Floor, at 99 Chauncy St?
Yes, indeed. The deaths of innocent people seeking pain control deserve an answer to the many questions that are attached to this catastrophic event. This is no acceptable explanation for the neglect in both the pharaceutical mixing of medications or the Jamaica Plain Laboratory analysis.