Idaho State Police Showcases Breakthroughs in Forensic Science During National Awareness Week

Idaho State Police Celebrates National Forensic Science Week, Highlighting Advances and Contributions of Forensic SciencePhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, September 16, 2024

MERIDIAN, ID — The Idaho State Police (ISP) is joining law enforcement agencies across the nation in celebrating the 7th Annual National Forensic Science Week (NFSW), taking place from September 15-21, 2024. This year’s event highlights the essential role of forensic science in modern criminal investigations and justice, particularly as it pertains to the safety of Idaho communities.

Forensic science is a cornerstone of contemporary law enforcement, providing tools for evidence analysis, suspect identification, and ensuring accurate justice outcomes. ISP’s laboratory system, located in Coeur d'Alene, Meridian, and Pocatello, offers comprehensive services in DNA, chemistry, toxicology, firearms, tool marks, and digital evidence. These services are critical to crime scene investigations, evidence examination, and ensuring the reliability of judicial processes.

ISP’s Forensic Services unit, composed of 70 skilled civilian professionals, provides law enforcement with objective analytical expertise and testimony. Their dedication to advancing forensic science is reflected in their ongoing community outreach, including demonstrations and educational programs to broaden public understanding of the field.

Matthew Gamette, ISP Lab Systems Director, emphasized the importance of these services. “The advanced technologies and methodologies employed by ISP are integral to solving crimes, and the dedication of our forensic experts is unmatched. Their work ensures that justice is served and our communities are protected.”

As part of NFSW, ISP will spotlight several key forensic topics:

• Trafficking and Crime Laboratories: ISP labs are instrumental in identifying and analyzing illegal substances like fentanyl and aiding investigations into human trafficking.
• NIBIN Grant Terminal: The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network connects ballistic evidence from various crime scenes, helping identify suspects involved in gun-related crimes.
• DNA Investigative Leads: The ISP DNA database continues to assist in solving crimes, with a focus on timely processing of rape kits and lawfully owed DNA samples.

ISP’s commitment to forensic innovation includes securing a $50,000 grant for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), addressing the backlog of untested kits and ensuring justice for survivors. Additionally, the division is working toward accrediting its crime scene units and has enhanced toxicology analysis with the implementation of the Randox ToxScreen Instrument.

To engage the community, ISP will host a presentation at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, at Boise State University, featuring Canyon County Prosecutor Theodore Lagerwall. The presentation will focus on the Daralyn Johnson case, a landmark in forensic genetic genealogy testing. Awards for contributions to forensic science will also be announced, and the public can take a virtual tour of ISP’s labs on YouTube at https://bit.ly/3eVzQif.

National Forensic Science Week honors the work of forensic scientists and educates the public on the vital role they play in the justice system. Join ISP in recognizing these professionals and their contributions to keeping Idaho safe.

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By Kristy Tallman, September 16, 2024
The Republic News

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