Stephen Ostrowski

Forensic Comparative Science Specialists, LLC, d/b/a FoCoSS Forensics, is a forensic consulting company located in Concord, New Hampshire.  We are a unique, privately owned company offering a variety of services ranging from case review of general criminalistics to expert testimony on technical aspects of various forensic disciplines.  What sets FoCoSS Forensics apart from other consulting firms is that every case is worked following the modern guidelines set forth by American Society of Crime Lab Directors /Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) and the applicable Scientific Working Groups concerning standardized testing procedures with regard to evidence integrity, note taking, and the verification process.  Every case will have the full professional attention of a certified criminalist.

FoCoSS Forensics currently has four associates to assist with your forensic needs.  The team collectively has over 60 years of forensic experience and holds multiple international certifications.  Being certified by the International Association for Identification (IAI) and the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), FoCoSS experts cumulatively hold certifications in the areas of Latent Prints, Footwear, Firearms, Toolmarks, Gunshot Residue/Shooting Distance Determination, as well as, Crime Scene Processing Analysis.  FoCoSS Forensics also proudly has the only two criminalists in the world who have achieved multiple international certifications in the forensic comparative disciplines of fingerprints, firearms, toolmarks and gunshot residue.

At FoCoSS Forensics, we believe that as both forensic scientists and expert witnesses in a court of law, it is imperative to retain the highest level of moral and ethical standards.  We strive to provide services which are both scientifically objective and fair to all concerned parties.  We will not rest until all parties understand the scope and results of our work as we bring focus to the case and to the court.

We offer assistance to law enforcement agencies, criminal case attorney, civil case attorneys, appellate attorneys, courts, private parties, corporations, universities, and the media.  If FoCoSS Forensics can be of assistance to your case or project, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Stephen H. Ostrowski has twelve years of forensic experience with the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory in Concord, an ASCLD/LAB accredited laboratory, where he is currently employed as a senior criminalist working in the Identification Unit and the Firearms/Toolmark Unit.  He is certified by the IAI as a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE).  Additionally, he is certified by AFTE in the areas of Firearms Examination, Toolmark Examination, and Gunshot Residue/Distance Determination.

Steve's areas of expertise include:  Latent Impressions (finger, palm and foot friction ridge skin); Patent Blood Impression Enhancement; Firearms Testing and Evaluation; Bullet and Cartridge case Comparison;  Toolmark Examination and Comparison; Shooting Incident Reconstruction; Powder and Primer Gunshot Residue; Range of Shooting Distance Determination; Obliterated Serial Number Restoration; Physical Fracture Match; Indented Writing Restoration; and Questionable Pattern Interpretation.  He has worked over 2000 cases in his career.