• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Digital News Updates
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business

Attorney General Knudsen Announces New Forensic Science Division Administrator

October 28, 2021

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the appointment of Travis Spinder to head the Montana Department of Justice’s Forensic Science Division (FSD). Spinder had been serving as interim administrator since April 2021.

Commonly referred to as the State Crime Lab, FSD houses the state’s forensic science laboratories and medical examiner system.

“Violent crime has become more prevalent in Montana over the last several years, including a double-digit spike in 2020. Our State Crime Lab is an essential piece of the Department of Justice’s efforts to find violent offenders and hold them accountable,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “Having an experienced and knowledgeable person like Travis leading this division is an asset to Montana.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the Forensic Science Division in our mission to the criminal justice community in keeping Montanans safe,” Spinder said.

Spinder brings 24 years of forensic science experience to the role and has been with FSD since 2002. Prior to his appointment as interim administrator in April, Spinder served as the forensic science supervisor in the Crime Lab’s firearm and toolmark section and has also served as a forensic firearm and toolmark examiner. Previously, he was president of the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners.

In 2021, Montana Department of Justice’s forensic science laboratory was awarded the Foresight Maximus Award, which is awarded to the top performing forensic laboratories, for achieving 90 percent efficiency. The lab and the medical examiner’s office also recently became accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners.

The Forensic Science Division is integral to the Department of Justice’s mission to fight crime in Montana and get dangerous criminals off the streets. The Division is responsible for testing and analyzing evidence for the criminal justice community across the state. The State Crime Lab houses the medical examiner, toxicology, chemical analysis, firearms/toolmarks, latent prints, DNA/serology, quality assurance, and evidence sections.

PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Filed Under: Featured, Home Featured, Politics

Related Articles:

  • Lawmakers propose legislation to prevent China’s global military expansion
  • North Dakota Reports Slight Dip in Q1 2025 Taxable Sales
  • Senator Steve Daines Leads Push to Strengthen Veteran Health Care Access
  • Watchdogs: New Montana law restricting foreign money in elections insufficient
  • Zinke Votes to Pass “Big Beautiful Bill”
  • Daktronics to Participate in Craig-Hallum’s 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference

Primary Sidebar

Digital News Updates Logo

Recent News Posts

  • Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour
  • Law enforcement agencies in 40 states are partnering with ICE 287(g) program
  • Gallatin College MSU’s online courses expand to meet nontraditional student needs
  • UM Video Game Team Scores National Championship

Recent Politics Posts

  • Sheehy Fulfills Campaign Promise With Blind Trust
  • Watchdogs: New Montana law restricting foreign money in elections insufficient
  • Knudsen Urges Gallatin County to Support ICE Partnership
  • Zinke Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Foreign Military Sales Notification Process

Recent Business Posts

  • Poll: College not preparing students for workforce, managers avoid hiring them
  • Bridger Aerospace Lands Record-Breaking Wildfire Contracts for Super Scooper Aircraft
  • Daktronics to Participate in Craig-Hallum’s 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference
  • Microsoft Marks 50th Anniversary

Copyright © 2025 Digital News Updates, All Rights Reserved.