Celebrating contributions of forensic scientists to Idaho's justice system

This past summer, the National Museum of American History, in Washington, D.C., hosted an exhibit entitled “Forensic Science on Trial.”

The exhibition showcased the history of science entering the courtroom and included the display of related artifacts. Photographs of the exhibit and related video are viewable here: https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/forensic-science-trial. Historical displays, such as this, are reminders of the important role forensic scientists play in administering justice.

Forensic scientists help to provide truth in the criminal justice system. Forensic science frees the innocent and provides justice for victims. The Idaho State Police is a leader and shining example of the significance of these essential services. Their work helps replace questions with science-backed evidence in the search for justice. The Idaho State Police reports that in 2024 alone, Idaho State Police Forensic Services analyzed more than 13,000 controlled substance samples and completed 481 DNA cases in support of Idaho’s judicial system.

I had the opportunity once again to honor Idahoans and others involved in this essential field. Through the Senate’s unanimous passage of a resolution I led, the Senate recognized that forensic scientists and criminologists across the country play a vital role in achieving justice for victims, exonerating the innocent and stopping criminals from acting again. The text of the resolution, co-sponsored by fellow U.S. Senator for Idaho Jim Risch, includes the following recognitions:

• The Senate is committed to the use of forensic science in the investigation of crimes, the prosecution and conviction of the correct perpetrators of crimes, and the exoneration of innocent individuals falsely accused of crimes in the United States;

• Forensic science service providers address critical questions in civil and criminal investigations and trials in the United States, including providing scientific conclusions relating to forensic evidence; and

• Forensic science service providers serve a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing scientific information to investigators and officers of the court.

The Senate’s unanimous support of this resolution acknowledges these specially trained scientists’ essential contributions to bringing justice for victims and exonerating the falsely accused. It is an honor to acknowledge and recognize Idaho forensic scientists’ invaluable efforts, as well as those of forensic scientists across the country. I will continue to work to provide adequate resources to support prompt, thorough forensic investigations to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of our communities.

Mike Crapo represents the state of Idaho in the U.S. Senate. He can be reached at crapo.senate.gov.