Annual Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) IMPACT REPORT Released

MERIDIAN, Idaho —The Idaho State Police (ISP) is proud to release the annual Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) IMPACT REPORT, which underscores the significant role ISPFS Laboratories play in advancing Idaho’s criminal justice system through forensic science, innovation, and expertise. This report highlights the essential role forensic science plays in solving crimes, ensuring justice, and supporting the safety and well-being of Idaho’s citizens. It also demonstrates the system’s effectiveness by providing specific cases ISPFS worked.

“The cases featured in this report underscore the pivotal role ISPFS plays in Idaho’s judicial system,” said Colonel Bill Gardiner of the Idaho State Police. “Whether it’s providing evidence to secure convictions, helping to exonerate the innocent, or solving cold cases through advanced forensic methods, ISPFS continues to lead with innovation and dedication. These achievements are a testament to the support of Idaho policymakers and the hard work of our skilled forensic scientists.”

Key highlights from the 2024 ISPFS IMPACT REPORT include:

• 13,806 controlled substance samples analyzed
• 481 DNA cases completed
• 28,117 items of evidence analyzed
• 15,408 cases worked
• 1 cold case solved using advanced DNA methods

Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)

• 4,213 entries into CODIS:
  • 271 forensic entries
  • 3,444 offender entries
  • 498 lawfully owed DNA entries through the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Program

Sexual Assault Response

• 427 sexual assault kits completed
• 61 nurses trained through the ISPFS Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program, with over 260 now trained
• 99 contacts made by the ISPFS Victim Services Specialist
  • 73 government-affiliated victim witness coordinators
  • 26 non-governmental advocates

SAKI Program

• 101 cold cases triaged
• 15 cold cases opened

RANDOX | TOXICOLOGY Program – In 2024, ISPFS launched a drug overdose pilot project to assist county coroners with the financial burden of toxicology testing. This program provides rapid toxicology screenings with a two-business-day turnaround at no cost to submitting agencies. The results are added to ODMap, a tool that helps first responders track drug-related hotspots across Idaho and the nation.

• 19 county coroners have signed participation agreements
• 48% of submissions were presumptively positive for fentanyl

Digital Forensics – Now a part of ISPFS, Digital Forensics continues to support the analysis of digital evidence while raising the bar for discipline accreditation. International accreditation is anticipated in 2025, with services including:

• Detailed examination of all digital media, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and external storage devices, to retrieve and analyze evidence
• Onsite imaging capabilities
• Assistance with search warrants and subpoenas
• Expert witness court testimony
• Video and audio enhancement

“We have an extremely talented professional staff in ISPFS, who work tirelessly to maintain an impeccable standard. Their work is second to none and critical in the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminals,” said Major David Neth, who oversees ISPFS.

The full 2024 ISPFS IMPACT REPORT is available on the Idaho State Police website. (https://bit.ly/4jea4SU)

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Posted in Forensic Services