The system is a partnership between the Forensic Science Division’s medical examiners and coroners to promote the health, well-being, and safety of the citizens of Montana through education, service, and compassionate, professional death investigation. The medical examiners’ work helps determine cause and manner of death, identify bodies, document injuries, and detect the presence of disease.

Locations: Missoula, Billings

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for maintaining the Laboratory’s International Accreditation, including planning internal audits, implementing corrective actions, monitoring analyst proficiency tests, tracking testimony review, and facilitating annual surveillance visits and external assessments. Additionally, the Quality Assurance Manager fulfills all discovery requests for the laboratory.

Locations: Missoula

The Biology unit is responsible for the analysis of evidence from crimes with the purpose of identifying and individualizing biological materials found as a part of that evidence, including performing Serology, Y-screening, DNA, and Y-STRs. The Biology section also participates in CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), the FBI’s national DNA database program.

Locations: Missoula

The Latent Prints section identifies, preserves, and compares skin impressions, including fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints.

Locations: Missoula

Toxicology staff members analyze biological samples for the presence of drugs, poisons, and other toxins in post mortem, DUI, sexual assault, and probation/parole cases. Scientists often assist coroners in determining the cause of death.

A non-comprehensive list of drug screening and quantitative testing performed by the Toxicology Section can be found here: Montana Toxicology Drug Screening and Montana Toxicology Drug Quantitation. The Breath Alcohol System maintains and certifies breath-testing instruments used to detect the presence of alcohol in DUI cases. The lab also trains officers in the proper use of the equipment.

Locations: Missoula

Evidence intake is the gatekeeper for all submitted evidence.  Evidence Technicians ensure that submission forms are filled out correctly and that all evidence is packaged and sealed properly to protect against loss or contamination.

Locations: Missoula, Billings

Scientists examine evidence such as weapons, ammunition, and toolmarks. Additional services include serial number restoration, fracture match comparison, and GSR distance determination.

Locations: Missoula

Drug chemistry specialists analyze samples seized in cases involving dangerous drugs, contents of clandestine labs, and primer gunshot residue.

Locations: Missoula, Billings