Crime & Public Safety
Idaho State Police mark National Forensic Science Week in Meridian with public programs and case review
What happened and where: The Idaho State Police (ISP) in Meridian is observing National Forensic Science Week, Sept. 20–26, hosting events and public education focused on forensic science work that supports criminal investigations across Idaho.
Chronology and activities: ISP’s Forensic Services (ISPFS) will run activities throughout the week including national webinars on forensic standards, emerging illicit drug trends, laboratory quality, and artificial intelligence in forensic science. A free public presentation, “Identifying Human Remains in Bonner County: Hoo Doo Mountain UHR Case,” is scheduled for Sept. 22 at Boise State University’s Micron Engineering Center and is also available online with preregistration.
Agency action and accomplishments: ISPFS is using the week to both educate professionals, students and the public and to recognize internal and educational achievements. The laboratory system will present the Rick Groff Visionary Leadership in Forensic Science Award to an ISPFS employee and name an Idaho Forensic Science Educator of the Year to honor contributions to forensic education.
Allegations versus proven facts and case status: ISP notes the Bonner County matter began in 2014 when unidentified human remains were found in a remote area. The agency describes that the investigation combined forensic investigative genetic genealogy, DNA technology, forensic document examination, traditional investigation and international collaboration to identify the individual. ISP frames these methods as scientific contributions that can identify or exclude people and resolve long-standing questions in cases.
Current public note: ISPFS emphasizes the role of laboratory science in supplying reliable results to investigators and the courts and is using the week to show examples of how forensic science has solved cases and to engage the next generation of forensic professionals.
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