The Idaho State Police Forensics Services (ISPFS) originated in 1963, when the Division of Laboratories in the Department of Health established an analytical unit for analyzing blood and breath alcohol samples for the Idaho State Police. In 1968, the state legislature funded a drug identification laboratory. Administratively, the lab was located in the Board of Pharmacy, but it was physically housed in the State Health Laboratory. The Health Lab also provided toxicology services.
These services were consolidated into a single unit called the Forensic Section after Robert Dews was hired in 1972. Mr. Dews had experience in other areas of forensic analysis. Under his leadership, the Boise laboratory at the Health Lab on Old Penitentiary Road expanded into other forensic disciplines, including trace, serology, and firearms. Testing of breath alcohol samples and blood alcohol was performed in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. However, by approximately 1982, the Forensic Section only had operations in the three locations that currently provide service today: Boise/Meridian, Coeur d’Alene, and Pocatello. All three laboratories initially provided breath and blood analysis for the determination of alcohol concentration.
The Forensic Section was transferred from the Bureau of Laboratories in the Department of Health and Welfare to the Department of Law Enforcement on July 1, 1988.
The Boise area laboratory relocated from its location on Old Penitentiary Road to the Idaho State Police campus in Meridian upon the completion of the complex in 1994. The Meridian facility has undergone several remodels to accommodate additional disciplines and analysts. In 2020, ISPFS added an office modular work trailer adjacent to the back of the laboratory to house the DNA section offices. The Meridian laboratory began offering DNA examinations for DQA1 and the polymarker loci in April 1998. In 1996, a law was passed that authorized the creation of a database for the retention of DNA profiles of offenders convicted of specific crimes, such as rape, homicide, etc. ISP Forensic Services began collecting those samples in 2000. ISPFS began performing Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA analysis in 2002 and started uploading to the National DNA Index System (NDIS) of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
Prior to 1974, Ron Donnelly worked as a blood alcohol analyst, and Connie Donnelly worked as a Microbiologist at the Coeur d’Alene Laboratory. In 1974, the Donnelly’s transferred to Meridian, and Mike Broadwater and Robert J. Martin moved to Coeur d’Alene. Sandee Nielson also joined the CDA lab that same year, serving as an evidence technician, administrative assistant, and secretary to Mike Broadwater, who was the Lab Manager and Supervisor at the time. With this initiative, the lab began to offer drug analysis services to law enforcement agencies in the northern part of the state, as well as alcohol testing. Also in 1974, the lab relocated from its downtown location to 2195 Ironwood Court. This location housed the Idaho Division of Environmental Quality, the Panhandle Health Department, mental health services, and the Coeur d’Alene Laboratory. Prior to 1986, Robert J. Martin replaced Mike Broadwater as the Lab Manager and Supervisor. The laboratory relocated again in February 1995 to a new location at 1000 Hubbard, which was leased from the City of Coeur d’Alene. In 2009, the lab made its latest move to the new ISP District 1 Linda Huff Combined Facility on Wilbur Road.
By 1974, the Pocatello laboratory was staffed with two analysts who provided examinations in controlled substances, blood alcohol, and breath alcohol. In 1989, the laboratory moved to a much larger facility at 209 E. Lewis as part of the Department of Law Enforcement. This building was initially constructed as the Pocatello City Hall. The Pocatello laboratory moved to the newly constructed ISP District 5 combined facility at 5255 S. 5th Avenue in 2017.
The name of the Department changed to Idaho State Police on July 1, 1999, and the Bureau of Forensic Services became ISP Forensic Services. Additionally, the Identification Section of the Bureau of Criminal Identification was transferred to Forensic Services. The unit provides latent print examinations and supports the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which has evolved into the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), and subsequently, the Multimodal Biometric Identification System (MBIS). Starting in 2015, ISPFS developed the first sexual assault kit policy working group in the state. The group became the Idaho Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (ISAKI) in 2017. It was renamed to ISSART (Idaho State Sexual Assault Response Team) in 2024.
All three laboratories that are a part of ISP Forensic Services sought and obtained accreditation with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) in 1987. ISP was provided with certificates 40, 41, and 42 for the laboratories, indicating that the labs were the 40th, 41st, and 42nd forensic labs in the country accredited under this program. The laboratories maintained that accreditation until 2007. The laboratory system was accredited under the ISO 17025:2005 standards with ASCLD/LAB in 2007. Following a brief transition to the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) after its merger with ASCLD/LAB, ISPFS was accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) starting in 2017. ISPFS updated to the ISO 17025:2017 standards with A2LA in 2020 and maintains that accreditation currently. In 2021, the laboratory became one of the first in the country to gain accreditation for breath testing instrument calibration under ISO 17025.
In a continuing quest to meet national quality standards, many of the technical staff members have been certified by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT), International Association for Identification as Certified Latent Print Examiners (CPLE), or by the International Association for Identification as Certified Crime Scene Investigators (CCSI). Forensic Services has members of The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and members of The Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers (AFQAM). Forensic Services staff are members of many professional organizations including, The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), The Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists (NWAFS), The Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators (AFDAA), The California Association of Criminalists (CAC), The Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Association (CLIC), The International Association for Identification (IAI), The Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT), The Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE), and The Pacific Northwest Division of the International Association for Identification (PNWD-IAI).
In 2015, ISPFS became the sixth lab in the country to implement STRMix for DNA mixtures. In 2016, ISPFS completed significant validations in almost every laboratory discipline, including the addition of the Draeger 9510 instrument for breath testing. Toxicology methods were completely revamped to include a multi-drug screen, marijuana screening, and confirmation. HB528 passed in the Idaho Legislature, requiring ISPFS to perform an audit of sexual assault kits and implement kit tracking. The first statewide sexual assault kit was completed by ISPFS in 2016.
In 2017, Idaho became the first state to fully implement a statewide sexual assault kit tracking system (IKTS), and ISPFS released the first sexual assault kit report for the legislature. ISPFS also had a 107% increase in DNA submissions. Newly passed legislation required all sex offenders to submit a DNA sample to the DNA database. Previously, only those with a felony conviction were required to submit a sample. ISPFS obtained a second AFIS/ABIS terminal, eliminating the need to share with the BCI unit in Meridian. Evidence was added as an official discipline, and an Evidence Technical Manager was appointed for the first time.
In 2018, ISPFS applied for and received several federal grants that are still in effect today. ISPFS improved the method for screening sexual assault evidence collection kits and implemented a male DNA screening method for sexual assault kits (Y-STR). ISPFS implemented the annual “Rick Groff Visionary Leadership in Forensic Science Award”, presented during the inaugural celebration of National Forensic Science Week (NFSW). ISPF was awarded a federal STOP grant and deployed hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment to sexual assault evidence collection sites across Idaho.
In 2019, ISPFS added its first Idaho Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/SART Coordinator, who started teaching SANE classes throughout the state. HB116 was passed by the Idaho legislature, requiring all sexual assault kits to be tested, and a 55-year retention of most sexual assault kits. Several ISFPS managers and staff assisted the Puerto Rico Forensic Science Center in recovery from significant hurricane damage. ISPFS published the first statewide official guidelines for addressing sexual assault in a multidisciplinary approach. The toxicology section implemented more sensitive and robust technology. ISPFS aided in the accreditation of the Nampa and Boise Police Department Crime Labs. The Breath Alcohol Unit began tracking all breath testing instruments statewide, along with their calibration certificates. The firearms unit began completing NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistics Identification Network) entries using the Washington State Patrol Lab in Cheney, Washington.
In 2020, ISPFS maintained its offering of a full spectrum of services, even while navigating COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. The SANE/SART coordinator became a state-funded position (previously funded under STOP federal funds). The Idaho Cold Case and Advanced Methods (ICCADM) team is established to assist in investigating cold cases and implement the most advanced DNA and other forensic methodologies in these cases. ISPFS began to offer HEMP/THC analysis with the HPLC-DAD instrument in all three labs. The lab system was awarded the prestigious “Foresight Maximus” award from the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics. FS3 discipline leaders and FS3 supervisors are first implemented in the DNA section of ISPFS. The DNA section purchased the first Applied Biosystems 3500 Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments for the lab. The Meridian lab foyer was remodeled to add a vestibule for added security at the evidence receiving area.
In 2021, ISPFS secured a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant to fund genetic genealogy testing and the searching of unsolved Idaho sexual assaults and unsolved sexual assault homicides. Idaho was the first state in the country to take this statewide approach to this technology. The federal grant enabled ISPFS to provide these services to local, county, and state agencies at no cost to the local agencies. ISPFS added Breath Alcohol Instrument Calibration as an accredited discipline. ISPFS began accepting digital evidence submissions for ISP and started the transition of moving the digital unit under the forensic laboratory. ISPFS began to use contract analysts for casework, including remote work positions. Idaho Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation designating the fourth week in September as National Forensic Science Week. ISPFS announced that all previously submitted sexual assault kits that had been identified in the state audits had been processed by the DNA lab.
In 2022, ISPFS began accepting forensic document examination cases at the Coeur d’Alene lab. These services included handwriting analysis, printing process examination, indented document examination, altered documents, physical match examination, non-destructive ink and paper testing, and charred and liquid-soaked document examination. ISPFS presented several live and archived national webinars on addressing sexual assault issues, including laboratory kit processing, nurse training, and culture change. ISPFS acquired a NIBIN terminal for Meridian under laboratory control and installed it in the Idaho POST facility to enable 24/7 access for ISP, Ada County, Boise City, Canyon County, and Nampa City agencies. ISPFS provided the necessary training for the NIBIN data entry. ISPFS acquired a LIZQ system for crime scene processing and began offering this service to law enforcement agencies. This technology enables high-resolution image captures and offers new features, such as spherical captures, allowing for the preservation of a crime scene in its entirety in a digital format. ISPFS also added its first dedicated crime scene vehicle to its fleet. ISPFS finished validation of the Foster and Freeman “Recover” instrument and began an emphasis program to publish all internal validation studies on the external website and publish as many as possible in scientific journals.
In 2023, Fentanyl quickly became one of the most prominent drugs in Idaho and started to become prevalent in solid-dose drug and toxicology cases. Governor Little issued the “Esto Perpetua” initiative to address the opioid crisis in Idaho. ISPFS was funded to start the development of a new laboratory in the Magic Valley area. ISPFS, in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, validated testing and instrumentation for a newly started pilot project with coroners in Idaho. The program can perform a rapid toxicology screening on suspected drug overdose deaths. All anonymized data is loaded into the Idaho OD-Map program to educate Idaho citizens and enable public servants to better target treatment, interdiction, and prevention efforts. ISPFS was awarded the “Foresight Maximus” award for the second time. ISPFS completed its third year of participation as an early adopter of the NIST Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) standards registry implementation program. ISPFS also officially announced that it would either comply or was in the process of complying with all applicable forensic science standards posted on the national registry. ISPFS staff have perpetually participated in the OSAC since its inception in 2014. ISPFS continued to expand its participation with NIST in advancing forensic science in the United States, with a specific focus on Idaho. Quantitative Methamphetamine analysis began to be offered in Meridian. The “Forensic Science Forum”, a monthly educational webinar program, was established to provide state law enforcement agencies with briefings on available disciplines, techniques, and new topics the laboratory system has to offer. ISPFS organized the first annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month for Idaho, including Governor Little presenting a signed proclamation at the ceremony in Boise. ISPFS worked with Idaho POST to put training videos for law enforcement online about responding to sexual assault and understanding the neurobiology of trauma. ISPFS hosted training sessions for law enforcement throughout Idaho. ISPFS began assisting the Canyon County Crime Lab to help it obtain accreditation. ISPFS published the first Field Services Training Manual. ISPFS purchased one of the first 3-D imaging technologies for firearms analysis. ISPFS has trained 200 forensic nurses in Idaho through the SANE/SART Coordinator positions, and the Idaho legislature added a second SANE/SART coordinator. ISPFS presented the first “Forensic Science Educator of the Year” during the sixth Idaho celebration of National Forensic Science Week. ISPFS was awarded a third BJA SAKI grant to work on cold case homicides and other violent crimes with advanced DNA methods such as Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy. The lab System launched a new cold case website that showcased the accomplishments of the team.
In 2024, ISPFS scientists were awarded the ASCLD Forensic Research Committee’s “Outstanding Evaluation/Validation Award” for the validation of screening suspected overdose samples with the Randox MultiSTAT analyzer. This is a nationally recognized award for the best validation of the year in the field of forensic science. Matthew Gamette, ISPFS Laboratory System Director, received the Briggs White Award for Excellence in Forensic Science Management. This award is given to one current or former American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) member each year. A fellow ASCLD member must nominate the individual. Successful nominees must demonstrate exceptional competence and achievement in public administration, leadership in the development of programs, creativity and resourcefulness, enlightened public service, integrity, and dedication to duty. In addition, the nominee must have a record of contributions to forensic science. In August of 2024, ISPFS celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Idaho State Sexual Response Team (previously ISAKI, now ISSART). ISPFS founded and continues to lead the ISSART team. New Idaho laws, evidence tracking, policies and procedures, grants, personnel, and other initiatives from ISSART have fundamentally changed forensic science in Idaho.
Novel and emerging drugs have also been a major driving force to move ISPFS into the future. Bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids, Hemp/THC, synthetic opioids, and many other substances have forced rapid innovation by the laboratory system. New instrumentation and methods in toxicology, drug chemistry, and alcohol analysis have rapidly transformed the laboratory system to address the needs of the criminal justice system in Idaho.
In 2023 and 2024, ISPFS celebrates the ten-year anniversary of our website remodel and the launch of social media platforms. One focus of the laboratory is public transparency and openness. ISPFS has been recognized as one of the most transparent laboratory systems in the country, with information from analytical methods to analyst CVs on the website.
Every year, ISPFS publishes Impact Reports containing lab statistics for the year and provides the public with information on the value of our work and the impact it has had on the criminal justice system in Idaho. All the cases highlighted in those reports demonstrate that ISPFS has played a critical role by performing forensic analysis used in criminal proceedings. Some analysis performed by ISPFS led to individuals being convicted. Other forensic findings helped prove innocence or have led to exonerations.
The laboratory began with one part-time employee in 1963 and grew to 39 full-time or part-time employees by 2013. In 2021, ISPFS grew to 55 employees. By the end of 2024, the laboratory is expected to have 80 full-time employees and contract staff. In addition to being a comprehensive forensic laboratory system, ISPFS offers training to state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and hospital personnel. ISPFS continually adjusts to changes in the criminal justice system and strives to keep pace with the latest technological advances that can benefit and enhance analytical capabilities, ultimately serving the needs of Idaho’s citizens more effectively. ISPFS has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s premier forensic laboratory systems due to the outstanding scientists and staff who have dedicated their careers to this vital work.