New Hampshire is one of the New England states that has just one main forensic science lab, located in Concord and operated as part of the New Hampshire State Police. It includes a state-of-the-art remote forensic viewing station that allows law enforcement agencies across the state to submit digital evidence to the laboratory. Once submitted, forensic duplicates are created and the images are put on a server. Law enforcement officials are then given access via username and password to review the case and evidence at any time using AccessData’s Forensic Toolkit (FTK) Case Reviewer software. This advanced technology has put New Hampshire ahead of most states when it comes to examining digital evidence.
Additionally, as the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory received a $125,000 grant, it purchased automated DNA equipment. This has put the state in the forefront of DNA analysis as well. More DNA samples taken from burglary, sexual assault and homicide cases statewide may now be analyzed simultaneously. The analysis is then put into the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This has enabled New Hampshire to assist in solving cases in which the perpetrator committed crimes in states besides New Hampshire. For example, in 1994 this database was used to solve the case of a homicide in Alaska when DNA was taken from an offender in a separate crime in New Hampshire and matched the Alaska homicide. Becoming a forensic scientist in New Hampshire can be a rewarding, exciting and challenging job.
Forensic Science Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Employers of forensic science technicians in New Hampshire usually advertise that they are looking for individuals who hold at least an undergraduate degree in forensic science or in one of the natural science disciplines. They may also seek graduates of college degree programs that are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Forensic science degree programs in New Hampshire schools and online include:
- Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics
- Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Master of Science in Forensic Science
Job titles in the forensic sciences in New Hampshire include:
- Forensic Scientist
- College Instructor –Digital Forensics
- Forensic Science Examiner
Organizations That Support Forensic Science Jobs in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of State Police Forensic Laboratory – Located in Concord, the main laboratory utilized by the State Police of New Hampshire analyzes a variety of items from crime scenes statewide. As it is the only forensic crime laboratory in the state, it analyzes evidence including fingerprints, firearms/toolmarks, serology, DNA, trace evidence, digital evidence, drugs, and biological samples.
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Laboratory Services Unit – The main environmental testing lab for the state, also in Concord, could be used to test environmental samples in the event of an environmental crime or terrorist incident.
- Forensic Comparative Scientist Specialists, LLC – This private forensic laboratory in Concord does forensic contracting and consulting work for individuals and companies across the state. Criminalistics, laboratory work and expert forensic testimony are a few of the services provided by this company.
Certification for Forensic Science Careers in New Hampshire
Professional certification is available through additional education and examination for experience forensic scientists in New Hampshire. Forensic scientists in New Hampshire have found that certification by the following national bodies is helpful to them in their career advancement in the field:
- International Association for Identification – Certifications that are possible include:
- Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Certification
- Forensic Art Certification
- Crime Scene Certification
- Footwear Certification
- Tenprint Fingerprint Certification
- Latent Print Certification
- Forensic Video Certification
- Forensic Photography Certification
- Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners – Three areas of certification are available:
- Gunshot Residue Evidence Examination and Identification
- Toolmark Evidence Examination and Identification
- Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification