Idaho State Police Celebrates National Forensic Science Week

MERIDIAN, Idaho. The Idaho State Police (ISP) is recognizing National Forensic Science Week, September 20 through 26, celebrating the scientists and professionals whose work provides objective evidence and supports the criminal justice system throughout Idaho and beyond.

“National Forensic Science Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary work our scientists and professional staff do every day and show people what forensic science does in the state of Idaho,” said Matthew Gamette, ISP Forensic Services Laboratory System Director. “It takes science, technology, experience, and a lot of collaboration. Our work may help identify someone, exclude someone from an investigation, or answer questions in a case that have been unresolved for years. Whatever the case, our job is to follow the science and provide reliable results to investigators and officers of the courts.”

Throughout the week, ISP Forensic Services (ISPFS) will host activities for its scientists and educational opportunities for forensic professionals, law enforcement, criminal justice partners, students, and the public. National webinars will address forensic science standards, emerging illicit drug trends, laboratory quality, and artificial intelligence in forensic science. More information about these events is available on the National Forensic Science Website.

A highlight of the week is a free public presentation, “Identifying Human Remains in Bonner County: Hoo Doo Mountain UHR Case,” Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. MDT at Boise State University’s Micron Engineering Center. The presentation is also available online with preregistration. Information about Idaho Celebrates National Forensic Science Week is available on the website.

The case began in 2014 when unidentified human remains were discovered in a remote area of Bonner County. With few personal items and no missing persons match, the investigation eventually brought together forensic investigative genetic genealogy, DNA technology, forensic document examination, traditional investigation, and international collaboration to identify the individual.

ISPFS will also recognize the recipient of the Rick Groff Visionary Leadership in Forensic Science Award, honoring an ISPFS employee for contributions that advance the laboratory system. ISPFS will also recognize the recipient of the Idaho Forensic Science Educator of the Year Award, honoring a high school teacher in Idaho who has advanced forensic science education and helped educate the next generation of forensic scientists in Idaho.

“Every item of evidence represents a question someone needs answered,” Gamette said. “Our scientists understand the responsibility that comes with that work. This week gives us a chance to recognize what they do, share some of the ways we have solved cases, and hopefully get more people interested in forensic science.”

Additional information about National Forensic Science Week, presentations, and activities is available on the ISP National Forensic Science Week webpage.

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Posted in District 1 - Northern Idaho, District 2 - Central Idaho, District 3 - Western Idaho, District 4 - Southern Idaho, District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho, Forensic Services