Idaho State Police planning on new crime lab in Jerome

JEROME, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho State Police are busy getting a new forensic lab up and running at their office in Jerome.

Investigators must send evidence to crime labs in Pocatello or Meridian for testing.

Laboratory Systems Director Matthew Gamette said the facility will focus on drug chemistry.

“Looking at suspected controlled substances, it could be pills, plants, powders, things of that nature that are illicit substances that are seized by law enforcement,” Gamette said. “Then, we will analyze those substances to be able to tell law enforcement what those substances are and what their controlled status is in Idaho.”

Gamette stresses the Magic Valley is a key area of attention for ISP.

“A major freeway that comes through this area, there’s a lot of trafficking and other things that happen on that freeway and in other areas coming up from Nevada.”

ISP Captain Mark Donahue said the location of this new lab will help save time with investigations and court cases.

“It’s going to really enhance our partnerships with our local agencies and really bring a really strong positive resource to our citizens here in the community,” Donahue said.

And it is not just law enforcement that will benefit. Gamette said victims of crimes will, too.

“When we’re more available to them, that brings more speedy justice for those victims of the crimes,” Gamette said.

Before the lab can open, ISP is searching for a local chemist to work at the facility.

“We want to hire somebody that wants to stay here for a long time, has family here, they are anchored into the community, that gives us a lot of presence here,” Gamette said.

ISP plans to have this new lab up and running next year.

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