Serving state, local, and federal law enforcement, state and county prosecutors, and public defenders.
The Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) continues to demonstrate national leadership in efficiency, quality, and forensic science services. In FY24, ISPFS ranked eighth in the nation for efficiency, operating at 93.45 percent of peak performance as evaluated by the West Virginia University John Chambers School of Business and Economics. This reflects a sustained focus on productivity, cost management, and delivering high-value services to Idaho communities.
ISPFS supports tens of thousands of cases annually, including complex, high-profile investigations. The agency continues to expand transparency through public dashboards, impact reporting, and service updates. Planning is underway for a new forensic science facility in Meridian, with construction expected to begin in summer 2026.
ISPFS also advances victim services and cold case work. Its SAKI team generated CODIS hits and investigative leads, while the SANE program expanded statewide access. Continued participation in national OSAC standards supports consistent, science-based practices.
In 2025, ISPFS achieved full ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation of its digital forensics laboratory through A2LA with zero findings, reinforcing its commitment to technical excellence and quality assurance.
Evidence Analysis Turnaround
| Services | Turnaround Goals (Average in days) | Current Turnaround (Average in days) | Current Cases Exceeding Strategic Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol / Volatiles | 30 | 15 | 0 |
| Breath Alcohol Inst. | 30 | 14 | 4 |
| Controlled Substances | 30 | 7 | 7 |
| Biology Screening | 30 | 53 | 23 |
| Sexual Assault Kits | 90 | 66 | 80 |
| DNA | 30 | 66 | 82 |
| DNA Database | 30 | 8 | 0 |
| Digital Forensics | 30 | 318 | 28 |
| Fire Evidence | 30 | 26 | 0 |
| Firearms / Toolmarks | 30 | 14 | 0 |
| Latent Print Comparison / ABIS | 60 | 108 | 32 |
| Latent Print Processing | 30 | 93 | 49 |
| Blood Toxicology | 30 | 24 | 3 |
| Urine Toxicology | 30 | 25 | 0 |
| Prior Years Casework Completed | Updated: 4/3/26 | ||
Forensic Services
Matthew Gamette
Laboratory System Director
Tina Mattox
Laboratory Quality Manager
Upcoming Events
Welcome to our statewide lab system, where cutting-edge technology and expert forensic analysis converge to serve justice across the Gem State. With facilities strategically located in Coeur d’Alene, Meridian, and Pocatello, our lab system stands as a cornerstone in pursuing truth and maintaining law and order. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, with three laboratories working seamlessly as part of a unified forensic system. The Idaho State Police Forensic Services Laboratories are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and scientific rigor. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary approach, we strive to provide accurate and reliable forensic analysis, contributing to the pursuit of truth and justice throughout Idaho.
Anne Nord
Lab Manager
Coeur d’Alene Laboratory
Accredited Disciplines
- Blood Alcohol & Volatiles Analysis
- Blood/Urine Toxicology
- Breath Alcohol Instrument Calibration
- Controlled Substances Analysis
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Distance Determination (Muzzle to Target Estimation)
- Document Examination
- Fire Debris Analysis
- Firearms Analysis
- Handwriting Examination
- Serial Number Restoration
- Toolmark Analysis
Rylene Nowlin
Lab Manager
Meridian Laboratory
Accredited Disciplines
- Biology Screening/DNA
- Blood Alcohol & Volatiles
- Breath Alcohol Instrument Calibration
- Controlled Substance Analysis
- Crime Scene Processing
- Digital Forensics
- DNA Database
- Latent Print Processing & Comparison
- Overdose Death Sample Screening
Rachel Cutler
Lab Manager
5255 S. 5th Ave, Suite 2
Pocatello, ID 83204
Phone: 208-239-9900
Fax: 208-239-9887
Pocatello Laboratory
Accredited Disciplines
- Blood Alcohol & Volatiles
- Blood/Urine Toxicology
- Breath Alcohol Instrument Calibration
- Controlled Substances Analysis
- Crime Scene Investigation
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD)
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
Certificate Numbers
4276.01 | 4277.01 | 4278.01
Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC)
