David M. MacNeil (Dave) is a nationally recognized forensic consultant, investigator, and instructor with a specialized focus on violent crime investigations, forensic photography, and crime scene analysis. With over 38 years of experience in law enforcement—including serving as the primary investigator and crime lab administrator for the Watertown, Massachusetts Police Department—Dave brings unparalleled expertise to the field. He played a key role in the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, serving as a primary investigator and local crime scene liaison during the capture of the suspects.
Dave serves as a Law Enforcement Liaison for Innovative Forensic Investigations, where he assists agencies across the country in solving cold case homicides, sexual assaults, and unidentified remains cases through the use of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). He is also a Team Adam Consultant for the New England region with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), providing rapid response and investigative support in missing child cases.
A sought-after instructor, Dave has trained law enforcement professionals at institutions such as Boston University, the University of Tennessee’s National Forensic Academy (NFA), Sirchie, and the Northeast Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC). He is a graduate and former class leader of the NFA and has received advanced training from elite agencies including the FBI Academy, U.S. Secret Service Academy, and Blackwater.
Dave is proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Vidocq Society, is Special Vice President of the Cold Case Initiative, and is a past president of the National Forensic Academy Alumni Association. A licensed Massachusetts Private Investigator, he holds memberships in several leading professional organizations, including the IAI, IHIA, ASIS, and NFAAA.
In addition to casework and instruction, Dave has provided executive protection and forensic consulting for best-selling crime authors and film producers, helping prepare them for high-profile media appearances.
Today, Dave continues to investigate complex cases, teach hands-on forensic courses, and present at major law enforcement conferences across the United States. His greatest passion remains working alongside detectives and public safety professionals, sharing in the deep camaraderie, trust, and purpose that define the law enforcement community.