The Department of Forensic Science’s mission is to provide laboratory services in criminal matters in the Commonwealth of Virginia, support the criminal justice system with quality and timely services, and advance the understanding of forensic science in order to promote public safety.

Providing unbiased support of the criminal justice system by leading in the field of forensic science

Commitment to:

• Quality


• Integrity


• Impartiality


• Diversity


• Resilience

The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) supports law enforcement and the criminal justice system through the performance of forensic analysis of crime scene evidence and presentation of the results of the analysis through reports, consultations, and expert witness testimony in courts of law.  

In 1970, a survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police demonstrated a need for a statewide forensic laboratory system in Virginia. In 1972, an act of the General Assembly created the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) within the Department of General Services (DGS).

DCLS included a Bureau of Forensic Science that absorbed the Commonwealth’s existing drug and toxicology laboratories, in addition to providing other forensic services. In 1990, the rapidly expanding Bureau was elevated to Division status within DGS. In 1996, the Division was transferred to the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Finally, in 2005, the Division was elevated to Department status under the Governor’s Secretary of Public Safety (now the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security).

The four DFS forensic testing laboratories and the calibration (Breath Alcohol) laboratory are currently accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), which requires conformance to:

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  ISO/IEC 17025 International Standard

  
  


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  ANAB developed accreditation requirements specific to forensic science testing and calibration laboratories

  
  


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  FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and DNA Databasing Laboratories

  
  

DFS continues to maintain its status as a nationally-recognized leader in the field of forensic science while supporting the criminal justice system and improving the public’s understanding of forensic science. 

DFS pursues new technologies that can provide cost beneficial advances in case processing time and new types of analysis needed by the criminal justice system. DFS has dedicated research capabilities in multiple disciplines to expedite the development of new scientific methods.

DFS strives to advance the understanding of forensic science through transparent communications. DFS is refreshing its website, which is used to share departmental documents and records with its customers and the public. DFS continues to reach out to law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and the public to provide information about the Department and to address questions or concerns raised by these groups. DFS sees positive results in the awareness of the use and understanding of forensic science in supporting the criminal justice system from this outreach effort. 

DFS continues to make significant investments in various information technology products that are specific to the individual scientific disciplines where they are deployed. DFS is investigating the use of electronic workflows and documentation for both scientific and internal administrative processes.

DFS hosts and manages two online systems relating to DNA evidence.  DFS continues to support customers and victims using the Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) Tracking System via a grant-funded coordinator position.  The system tracks PERKs at each step in the process, including their distribution as uncollected kits to the collection sites (e.g., hospitals) through collection, transfer to law enforcement, submission to the laboratory for analysis, and return to the law enforcement agency for storage.  Secondly, DFS launched the DNA Data Bank Sample Tracking System (DBSATS) on July 1, 2022.  DBSATS allows real-time verification of DNA samples maintained in the DNA Data Bank thereby facilitating compliance with statutory requirements concerning DNA collection and creates efficiencies for users from multiple agencies with its “pre-log” capability. 

The DFS Breath Alcohol Section licenses all users of the breath alcohol testing instrumentation for evidential testing.  The licensing of these users requires that they recertify every two years, historically by attending an in-person, four-hour course.  DFS utilized the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center to deliver an online recertification program which reduced the required travel by officers and DFS employees.  Approximately three years after implementation, almost half of all recertifications are conducted on the online platform. The Breath Alcohol Section also certifies for accuracy, installs and maintains all evidential breath alcohol testing instrumentation in the Commonwealth. New processes have been implemented that streamline the installation process for these instruments utilizing electronic documentation.

DFS is focused on one IT initiative related to Forensic Advantage (FA), its Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which will support user agencies’ ability to log evidence and submit requests for laboratory examination prior to physical submission of evidence and allow user agencies to manage system access for their employees. Future projects are planned to allow DFS to issue electronic CoAs (Certificates of Analysis) to all appropriate entities.

All scientific disciplines have a documented training program that allows for certification of examiners. Depending on the discipline, the length of these training programs varies between 10 - 24 months. Once certified, examiners may independently handle evidence, perform analyses, issue reports, and provide testimony in court as required.  A development plan for scientists allows them to advance through professional achievement and by gaining new knowledge, skills and abilities.

In addition to the development plan for scientists, DFS has an annual goal to provide 16 hours of technical continuing education for each scientist and eight hours of continuing education to all non-scientist employees. The Department has also implemented mandatory training annually for all supervisors to help provide its managers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage their employees. Legal training is provided annually to address changes in laws and/or results of legal cases that impact DFS.

DFS owns, operates and maintains four laboratory facilities (Richmond, Norfolk, Manassas, and Roanoke). At each laboratory facility, DFS provides space to house the Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). At the Norfolk facility, DFS also provides space to the Norfolk Public Health Department and several other smaller government entities.

DFS has acquired land in the greater Richmond area (Hanover) in order to build a new facility that will house DFS’s Central Laboratory, Director’s Office, Technical Services and Administrative Sections, as well as the OCME’s Central Office and agency operations. The construction permit was issued by the Division of Engineering and Buildings (DEB) in July 2022, and ground-breaking and other pre-construction related activities will begin when the additional funding (due to price escalation based upon subcontractor bidding) is approved.  Once begun, construction is anticipated to take three years.

Provision of spaces suitable for the safe handling and analyses of both potentially hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials differentiates laboratories from other types of facilities. Protecting the health and safety of laboratory and building occupants, as well as the integrity of the submitted evidence are always primary concerns. Comfort while wearing personal protective equipment and energy-efficiency are also of considerable importance.

A typical laboratory currently uses five times as much energy and water per square foot as a typical office building. Energy costs associated with operating DFS facilities have been optimized through the use of two energy performance contracts totaling ~$14 million in order to reduce energy consumption.

These are being paid with the savings achieved through reduced energy consumption. An added benefit of these projects is the extended useful lifetime of some major building heating and cooling systems components.

Forensic laboratories and medical examiner facilities are high energy consumers due to a variety of reasons. They:

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  contain large numbers of containment and exhaust devices;

  
  


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  house a great deal of heat-generating equipment;

  
  


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  require environmental conditions suitable for scientific analyses be maintained continuously;

  
  


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  house instrumentation used to analyze irreplaceable evidentiary material requiring fail-safe redundant backup systems and uninterrupted power supply (UPS) or emergency power; and

  
  


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  require continuous operation of large refrigerated spaces for long and short-term storage of human remains to support morgue operations and the state anatomical program.

  
  

The primary risk factor that could prevent the Department from fulfilling its mission is the ability to maintain a sufficient number of qualified scientific personnel. There are three general risks associated with classified personnel levels as described below:

Funding:

Taking into account case submission trends, DFS has traditionally received the necessary funding to support appropriate levels of staffing in order to fulfill the agency's mission. DFS received funding in the FY23/FY24 biennial budget, for nine scientists in the Toxicology Section and one trainer in the Forensic Training Section. 

Hiring and Training:

As of June 2022, approximately 5% of DFS’s funded positions were in the process of being filled; while approximately 5% of current employees were hired in the past year. In order to fill scientific positions with limited qualified applicants, DFS has developed a process of hiring and training individuals with the necessary educational credentials but without the practical experience. 

Maintaining Personnel:

In order to retain trained scientists, DFS utilizes a compensation plan for its scientists that was developed in conjunction with the Department of Human Resource Management, which rewards and encourages staff development.

Approximately 7% of all current DFS employees will be eligible for retirement as of June 30, 2024, including several high level managers. DFS is proactively planning for these transitions by ensuring knowledge and process redundancies.

Approximately 95% of DFS operating expenses are paid with general fund dollars. The remaining 5% are paid from federal grants to support overlapping federal and state initiatives for which state funding is not available. Overall, the DFS budget is allocated in the following manner:



70% Personnel expenses – salaries and fringe benefit costs for all Department employees;



12% Laboratory expenses – all items, other than personnel, directly related to performing scientific analysis such as scientific equipment, gases, chemicals, and other supplies;



12% Facilities expenses – direct costs such as utilities, repairs, service contracts, equipment and supplies for operating and maintaining the laboratory buildings;



5% Administrative expenses – costs such as information technology, office supplies, postage, and other necessary items that are not directly related to scientific analysis; and



1% Travel expenses – primarily costs related to court travel and some mandatory training.

DFS revenue is comprised mostly of federal grant funds that are obtained to support overlapping federal and state initiatives for which state funding is not available. A very small amount of revenue is earned each year by the sale of surplus equipment through the state surplus property program.

The information in this section and the values in the table below are for the Fiscal Year that ended June 30, 2022.

Testimony provided for forensic casework continues to have a significant impact on DFS operations. For every subpoena received, examiners must log the information and often must spend a significant amount of time coordinating court dates, arranging for travel, and following up with attorneys to ensure their presence is still required. Although the time spent on these administrative tasks is not tracked, time spent out of the lab is tracked and in FY22 DFS examiners spent over 6,990 hours traveling to/from and appearing in court. In order to minimize time out of the laboratory, the Department maintains video testimony capabilities if the parties and the court are agreeable.  

A DNA Data Bank hit occurs when DNA from a crime scene sample is associated with the DNA of an individual (arrestee or convicted offender) or DNA from another case.

DFS does not anticipate any changes to its customer base.

The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is established by Virginia law, to provide forensic laboratory services to the Commonwealth’s state and local law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, Commonwealth’s Attorneys, fire departments, and state agencies in the investigation of any criminal matter. By law, DFS provides services to federal investigatory agencies to the extent its resources allow.

DFS scientists provide technical assistance and training, evaluate and analyze evidence, interpret results, and provide expert testimony related to the analyses of physical evidence recovered from crime scenes and submitted for examination. DFS also provides evidence collection kits to law enforcement and medical personnel to facilitate proper collection and submission of certain types of evidence for laboratory examination.

DFS's Forensic Training Section operates the Virginia Forensic Science Academy (FSA). The FSA is a nine-week school on crime scene technology that provides classroom instruction by qualified forensic science experts, evidence collection demonstrations, and practical exercises in simulated crime scenes. The Forensic Training Section also offers and facilitates numerous short courses that allow DFS to reach a greater number of law enforcement officers and jurisdictions.

The DFS Breath Alcohol Section provides training, equipment, supplies, and laboratory support to local, state, and/or federal law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia that are enforcing Commonwealth of Virginia Driving Under the Influence statutes (e.g., § 18.2-266 and § 18.2- 266.1). In addition to training and licensing breath alcohol instrument operators, the Department certifies each evidential breath test instrument for accuracy at least once every six months.

Finally, DFS has established and maintains a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing program in accordance with Article 1.1 (§ 19.2-310.2 et seq.) of Chapter 18 of Title 19.2. DFS analyzes each sample of blood, saliva or tissue taken for DNA to determine identification characteristics specific to the person.

An important measure of how DFS is meeting its obligations to the criminal justice system and the Commonwealth’s citizens is the turnaround time (TAT) from receipt of evidence to issuance of the case examination report (Certificate of Analysis). When Certificates of Analysis are not available in a timely manner, investigations may be delayed, court cases may have to be continued, and cases may even be dismissed if the speedy trial provisions in §19.2- 243 of the Code of Virginia are not met.

In Toxicology, the number of cases from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has continued to increase, although the section has maintained their average case turnaround times by arranging for some OCME testing to be provided by a private laboratory to increase testing capacity until staffing could be expanded.  Toxicology is receiving a consistently high number of opioid-related cases while also seeing a marked increase in the number and complexity of marijuana-related impaired driving cases.   To address the marijuana-related cases, the four additional Toxicologist positions provided in the FY23/FY24 biennial budget will allow for DFS to expand testing for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in all Driving Under the Influence cases where a blood sample is submitted. Toxicologists are able to testify about the effects of drugs on human performance. 

The Forensic Biology Section (DNA) is receiving more physical evidence recovery kits (PERKs) for analysis as a result of the comprehensive PERK legislation enacted July 1, 2016.   The section has developed and validated new streamlined processes to help mitigate and increase capacity for sexual assault type testing. Methods were implemented to more efficiently screen these types of cases for male body fluids limiting the need to conduct time consuming microscopic sperm searches.   The screening for male DNA is also conducted utilizing robotics which allows more time for the scientists to work on additional cases.  Despite these advances sexual assault cases continue to be challenging to process and many require additional DNA testing (Y-STR analysis) which is also conducted by the section.

Complex DNA mixture analysis is increasing within the DNA Section and also is reflected nationally.  DFS was an early adopter to use computer probabilistic modeling as an aid in interpreting these mixtures.   Additionally, DFS is one of the few laboratories in the country to implement two probabilistic modeling systems.   This provides our agency with a number of tools to gain investigative information from DNA mixtures, which can then be provided to Virginia law enforcement agencies.  Further validation testing is being conducted so DFS will be able to utilize these computer programs to deconvolute individual DNA contributors from the DNA mixtures collected from the crime scene. The resulting individual DNA contributor profiles can then be uploaded and searched in DNA databases to generate possible investigative leads.      

After sustained increases of Controlled Substances submissions from FY16 to FY19, the backlog and resulting average case turnaround times in the Section reached unacceptable levels in FY19. The Department received resources in FY19-FY20 to build analytical capacity in the section, as well as to temporarily outsource simple possession cases. Since the pandemic began in 2020, submissions have declined significantly and DFS used normal attrition to maintain the appropriate level of staffing for the reduced caseload. DFS anticipates that submissions will begin to rise again as law enforcement agencies refocus efforts on interdiction and drug enforcement. DFS will fill these vacant positions at such time as case submissions start to increase.  The combination of these factors has resulted in a significant reduction in the backlog with cases on average being completed in approximately 30 days.

This goal addresses the scientific analysis and examination of evidentiary materials submitted by law enforcement agencies and others that can result in valuable investigative information. The results of the analysis may also be used as evidence in court proceedings. The timeliness of analysis is important to avoid delayed investigations, continuances of court cases, or even dismissed cases if the speedy trial provisions in §19.2-243 of the Code of Virginia are not met.

This objective addresses the timely and accurate scientific analyses and examination of evidentiary materials, submitted by law enforcement and other authorized agencies, to determine the presence or absence of: 1) substances classified as “controlled” by the Commonwealth of Virginia, 2) substances specifically defined in the Code of Virginia as prohibited although not “controlled” (e.g., marijuana), and 3) certain substances which are immediate precursors to controlled substances.

• Retain and recruit qualified forensic scientists

• Investigate for efficacy, develop, validate, and implement new technologies

• Provide professional development opportunities

This objective addresses the timely and accurate scientific analyses and examination of evidentiary materials, submitted by law enforcement and other authorized agencies, to determine the presence or absence of body fluids and conduct DNA analysis. The results of the analysis are compared to reference samples from victims and suspects or searched against a database of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, arrestees and unsolved cases in order to provide investigative information to law enforcement.

• Retain and recruit qualified forensic scientists

• Investigate for efficacy, develop, validate and implement new technologies

• Provide professional development opportunities

This objective addresses the timely and accurate scientific analyses of evidentiary materials, submitted by law enforcement and other authorized agencies, to determine: 1) if a substance submitted contains alcohol, 2) the presence or absence of alcohol or other substances that would impair a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle, 3) the presence or absence of substances in a person's system to assist in police investigations, and 4) the presence or absence of substances in post mortem evidence that may have contributed to a person's death.

• Retain and recruit qualified forensic scientists and toxicologists

• Investigate for efficacy, develop, validate and implement new technologies

• Provide professional development opportunities

This objective addresses the timely and accurate scientific analyses and examination of firearm and toolmark evidence submitted by law enforcement and other authorized agencies. Fired ammunition components are compared to any submitted firearms and/or are searched through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) in order to provide investigative information and associations between separate criminal investigations.

• Retain and recruit qualified forensic scientists

• Investigate for efficacy, develop, validate and implement new technologies

• Provide professional development opportunities

This objective addresses the timely and accurate scientific analyses and examination of latent print and impression evidence submitted by law enforcement and other authorized agencies. Latent prints are compared to any submitted known prints of victims and suspects or searched through state and federal fingerprint databases in order to provide investigative information. Impressions are compared to known exemplars submitted to the laboratory.

• Retain and recruit qualified forensic scientists

• Investigate for efficacy, develop, validate and implement new technologies

• Provide professional development opportunities

This objective addresses the timely and accurate scientific analyses and examination of evidentiary materials, submitted by law enforcement and other authorized agencies, including the analyses of explosives, fire debris, general chemical, glass, hairs/fibers, paint, primer residue, and vehicle lamps.

• Retain and recruit qualified forensic scientists

• Investigate for efficacy, develop, validate, and implement new technologies

• Provide professional development opportunities

This objective addresses the timely and accurate scientific analyses and examination of digital and multimedia evidence submitted by law enforcement and other authorized agencies. Electronic equipment, such as mobile phones, computers and video recorders, are examined with specific files and information provided to investigating agencies.

• Retain and recruit qualified forensic scientists

• Investigate for efficacy, develop, validate, and implement new technologies

• Provide professional development opportunities

This goal addresses DFS examiners and technical personnel conveying the results of analyses and examinations through clear, objective, balanced, and easily understood reports, consultations and testimony. This goal directly supports the DFS mission of supporting the criminal justice system.

This goal addresses the training provided by DFS to law enforcement officers, attorneys, judges, first responders, sexual assault nurse examiners, forensic nurse examiners, medical examiners, and students of forensic science. The training provided by DFS facilitates the ability of law enforcement to properly locate, recognize, document, collect, preserve, package, and submit physical evidence for analysis, as well as conduct breath alcohol testing. DFS training also facilitates the ability of first responders and medical personnel to properly recognize, collect, and preserve biological evidence. By facilitating this knowledge, the quality of objective evidence from which to determine guilt or innocence of criminal suspects is enhanced. This goal directly aligns with the DFS mission of advancing the understanding of forensic science.

This objective addresses the Forensic Training Section's training of primarily law enforcement personnel as crime scene investigators, which includes the Forensic Science Academy and short courses. A consistent approach by state and local law enforcement agencies to the collection and preservation of physical evidence enhances the ability of the Department of Forensic Science to provide optimal scientific support services to the criminal justice system.

• Evaluate and prioritize training courses when developing the annual training plan

• Select students for upcoming Academy sessions six to nine months in advance whenever possible

• Survey law enforcement agencies on their training needs

This goal addresses the recruitment, training, development and retention of qualified scientific staff. The Department supports continuing education to maintain skills and expertise of personnel by providing training and access to literature, and encouraging personnel to continually develop and enhance relevant knowledge, skills and abilities.

This objective addresses the ability of the Department to attract, hire and train scientific staff members to be qualified examiners in their respective disciplines. Forensic Scientist Trainee programs in Forensic Biology, Controlled Substances, and Toxicology Sections average 10 to 12 months for completion. At the conclusion of a training program, trainees will have demonstrated their ability to perform quality analysis and will be promoted from a trainee to a qualified forensic scientist. When an examiner previously qualified by another laboratory comes to DFS, the training period is reduced based on the knowledge of that individual. At a minimum, they are trained in DFS's protocols and practices and must demonstrate their ability to peform quality analysis in compliance with Department protocols and to provide expert testimony on the results of their analysis before they become a DFS qualified forensic scientist and are allowed to perform casework.

• Investigate and develop recruitment and training program management and tracking mechanisms

This goal directly supports meeting the agency’s fiduciary responsibility when using state and federal funds and resources, as well as ensuring DFS is able to fulfill its mission. The goal deals with developing and maintaining appropriate human resources, following responsible procurement and sound financial management practices, and using technology prudently, all in support of the specific processes for carrying out the Department’s mission.

This goal addresses the training of law enforcement personnel to operate evidential breath alcohol instruments. The availability of licensed operators is important for the enforcement of traffic safety laws. Sufficient licensed operators are necessary to avoid delayed investigations in DUI cases, continuances of those court cases, or even dismissed cases if licensed operators are not available. The Breath Alcohol Section also provided expert testimony on the instrument and alcohol impairment as requested.

This objective addresses the Breath Alcohol Section's training of law enforcement personnel in the operation of evidential breath alcohol instruments.

• Retain and recruit qualified forensic scientists to maintain breath alcohol instruments and train law enforcement

• Provide sufficient training opportunities for new and licensed breath alcohol operators

• Investigate new strategies to provide training

This service area consists of the Forensic Biology, Mitochondrial DNA, and DNA Data Bank Sections. The Forensic Biology and Mitochondrial DNA Sections perform scientific analysis and examination of evidence as requested by state and local law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and prosecutors, and as ordered by a court upon request of the defense. This includes laboratory examination, reporting the results, and, as required, providing testimony in courts of law. The DNA Data Bank Section maintains a DNA Data Bank as required by the Code of Virginia.

This service area directly supports the Department's mission of providing laboratory services, supporting the criminal justice system, and advancing the understanding of forensic science through its products and services.

§ 9.1-1101. Powers and duties of the Department

§ 16.1-299.1. Sample required for DNA analysis upon conviction or adjudication of felony

§ 19.2-11.8. Submission of physical evidence recovery kits (PERKs) to the Department

§ 19.2-11.10. Expungement of DNA profile

§ 19.2-270.4:1. Storage, preservation and retention of human biological evidence in felony cases

§ 19.2-310.2. Blood, saliva, or tissue sample required for DNA analysis upon conviction of certain crimes; fee

§ 19.2-310.2:1. Saliva or tissue sample required for DNA analysis after arrest for a violent felony

§ 19.2-310.3. Procedures for withdrawal of blood, saliva or tissue sample for DNA analysis

§ 19.2-310.3:1. Procedures for taking saliva or tissue sample for DNA analysis

§ 19.2-310.4. Procedures for conducting DNA analysis of blood, saliva or tissue sample

§ 19.2-310.5. DNA data bank

§ 19.2-310.6. Unauthorized uses of DNA data bank; forensic samples; penalties

§ 19.2-310.7. Expungement when DNA taken for a conviction

§ 19.2-327.1. Motion by a convicted felon or person adjudicated delinquent for scientific analysis of newly discovered or previously untested scientific evidence; procedure

The Forensic Biology Section performs scientific analysis and examination of submitted evidence to determine the presence or absence of body fluids and conducts DNA analysis. The results of the analyses are compared to reference samples from victims and suspects or searched against a database of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, arrestees and unsolved cases in order to provide investigative information to law enforcement. This Section also provides specialized DNA testing, which includes Y-STR analysis and familial DNA searching.

The Mitochondrial DNA Section performs scientific analysis and examination of submitted evidence, often human skeletal remains. The results of the analysis are compared to reference samples or searched in DNA databases in an attempt to identify the deceased individual.

The Forensic Biology and Mitochondrial DNA Sections both provide the following products and services:

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  Issuing Certificates of Analysis (the results of examination and scientific analysis, including advanced statistical testing) and provide explanation of the examinations/analyses and the results when requested

  
  


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  Expert witness testimony in courts of law in addition to pre-trial consultations with attorneys for the Commonwealth and the defense

  
  


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  Training medical personnel, law enforcement, attorneys, etc. in the recognition, collection and preservation of biological evidence and the use of forensic results in investigations and trials

  
  


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  Developing and maintaining evidence collection resources (e.g., victim PERKs, suspect PERKs, and buccal DNA collection kits) for distribution to law enforcement and medical facilities.

  
  

The DNA Data Bank Section provides the following products and services:

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  Maintaining a DNA Data Bank as required by the Code of Virginia, which includes conducting DNA analysis of samples from convicted offenders and certain arrestees for inclusion in state and national databases

  
  


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  Providing the most current information submitted to the Data Bank, on a weekly basis, to the DNA Data Bank Sample Tracking System (DBSATS), including removal of persons no longer eligible to be in the Data Bank

  
  


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  Developing and maintaining evidence collection resources for distribution to law enforcement

  
  

This service area receives the majority of the federal funds obtained by the agency. Therefore, only 80 to 85 percent of the operating expenses for this service area are paid with general fund dollars. The remaining expenses are funded with federal grants that support overlapping federal and state initiatives for which state funding is not available.

This service area consists of the Controlled Substances and the Trace Evidence Sections. These sections perform scientific analysis and examination of evidence as requested by state and local law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and prosecutors, and as ordered by a court upon request of the defense.  This includes laboratory examination, reporting the results, and, as required, providing testimony in courts of law.

This service area directly supports the Department's mission of providing laboratory services, supporting the criminal justice system, and advancing the understanding of forensic science through its products and services.

§ 9.1-1101. Powers and duties of the Department

§ 19.2-187. Admission into evidence of certain certificates of analysis.

§ 19.2-188.1. Testimony regarding identification of controlled substances

The Controlled Substances Section provides scientific analysis and examination of submitted evidence to determine the presence or absence of:

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  substances classified as “controlled” by the Commonwealth of Virginia;

  
  


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  substances specifically defined in the Code of Virginia as prohibited although not “controlled” (e.g., marijuana); and

  
  


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  certain substances which are immediate precursors to controlled substances.

  
  

The Controlled Substances Section also evaluates for approval field tests submitted by vendors in accordance with 6VAC40-30 and 6VAC40-50 in support of § 19.2-188.1.

The Trace Evidence Section provides the following scientific analysis and examination services:

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  Explosives analysis – to the extent possible, a determination of construction, ignition/detonation source, origin of materials and the function of the device is made

  
  


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  Fibers analysis – the examination of evidence submitted for fiber identification and/or comparison to known items

  
  


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  Fire debris analysis – the examination of evidence for the presence or absence of ignitable liquids

  
  


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  General chemical analysis – the physical and/or chemical analysis of unknown materials for identification and comparison purposes

  
  


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  Glass analysis – the comparison of the physical and/or optical properties of known and questioned glass sources

  
  


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  Hair screening – the microscopic examination of hairs to determine whether they originated from a human and, if so, whether they are suitable for nuclear DNA testing

  
  


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  Paint analysis – the microscopic examination of paint evidence for color, texture, and layer structure in order to ascertain probable origin

  
  


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  Primer residue – the analysis of evidence submitted to determine if an individual had primer (gunshot) residue on their hands

  
  


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  Tape analysis - the examination of tapes/adhesives and comparison to known items

  
  


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  Vehicle lamps analysis – the examination of evidence submitted to determine if the lamp was “on” or “off”, which may indicate if a vehicle that was in an accident had its lights on

  
  

The Trace Evidence section also develops and maintains primer (gunshot) residue evidence collection resources for distribution to law enforcement.

Both the Controlled Substances and Trace Evidence Sections also provide the following products and services:

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  Issue Certificates of Analysis (the results of scientific analysis and examination) and provide explanation of analyses/examinations and the results when requested

  
  


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  Provide expert witness testimony in courts of law in addition to pre-trial consultations with attorneys for the Commonwealth and defense

  
  


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  Train law enforcement, attorneys, etc., in the recognition, collection, preservation, and handling of evidence and the use of forensic results in their investigations, and trials

  
  

This service area is funded almost entirely through the general fund. A limited amount of federal funding has been obtained by the agency to use for continuing education in all of the service areas.

This service area consists of the Toxicology and Breath Alcohol Sections.  Both of these Sections provide scientific support to the criminal justice system for crimes where alcohol and/or drug use may be implicated and, as required, provide testimony in courts of law.  The Toxicology Section provides scientific analysis and examination of evidence as requested by state and local law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and prosecutors, and, as ordered by a court upon request of the defense.  The Breath Alcohol Section certifies the evidential breath testing instrumentation and licenses breath testing operators.

This service area directly supports the Department’s mission of providing laboratory services, supporting the criminal justice system, and advancing the understanding of forensic science through its products and services.

§ 9.1-1101. Powers and duties of the Department

§ 18.2-267. Preliminary analysis of breath to determine alcoholic content of blood

§ 18.2-268.1. Chemical testing to determine alcohol or drug content of blood; definitions

§ 18.2-268.6. Transmission of blood samples

§ 18.2-268.7. Transmission of blood test samples; use as evidence

§ 18.2-268.9. Assurance of breath-test validity; use of breath-test results as evidence

§ 18.2-269. Presumptions from alcohol or drug content of blood

The Toxicology Section analyzes body fluids and tissues for the presence and concentrations of alcohol, drugs, and other potential poisons. Support is provided to Medical Examiners to assist in determining cause and manner of death, and to law enforcement agencies investigating crimes where alcohol and/or drug use may be indicated, such as DUI/DUID and drug facilitated crimes.

Other products and services provided by the Toxicology Section include:

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  Issuing certificates of analysis (the results of scientific analysis and examination) and explaining the results and examination process when requested

  
  


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  Providing expert witness testimony in courts of law and pre-trial consultations with attorneys for the Commonwealth and the defense

  
  
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    The section also supports (through interpretive expert testimony) hospital blood testing for inpaired/reckless/involuntary manslaughter cases in which no testing was performed at DFS

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Developing and maintaining evidence collections kits for distribution to law enforcement and medical examiners

  
  

The Breath Alcohol Section ensures that statewide quality assurance and operational standards are followed by the Commonwealth’s law enforcement agencies when administering breath alcohol tests.  This section provides the following products and services:

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  Evidential breath test instruments including maintenance, repair, supplies, and certification for accuracy

  
  


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  Training and licensing of breath test instrument operators for the evidential breath analysis to determine the alcohol content of blood

  
  


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  Providing expert witness testimony in courts of law and pre-trial consultations with attorneys for the Commonwealth and the defense

  
  


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  Processing Subpoenas Duces Tecum and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for records of breath tests and instrumentation

  
  


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  Providing web access to breath test records, instrument records, operator records and statistical reports

  
  


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  Training attorneys and law enforcement personnel in the proper use of breath alcohol instruments and the meaning/significance of breath alcohol test results in trials

  
  


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  Evaluation of preliminary breath tests for approval to use within the Commonwealth

  
  

The Toxicology and Breath Alcohol Sections have traditionally been funded almost entirely through the general fund.  The Breath Alcohol Section has been awarded grant funds through DMV to cover the cost of lodging and per diem expenses for law enforcement officers attending breath alcohol training, and on-line recertification training, which eliminates the need for these law enforcement personnel to travel.  Funds have also been received from DMV for additional personnel and upgrades to the Forensic Advantage Breath Alcohol Database.  

Since FY17, grant funds have been awarded through the DMV TREDS program to cover the cost of four part-time Forensic Laboratory Specialists (FLS) in Toxicology.  In addition, DFS has recently received funding for four full-time FLS positions in Toxicology through the TREDS program.  This grant funding is contingent upon yearly availability and approval of funds by the Virginia DMV. 

Due to the national opioid crisis, DFS has also received grant funds from the CDC, which are being used in the Toxicology Section for additional personnel and supplies through FY23.

This service area consists of the Digital & Multimedia, Firearms & Toolmarks, and Latent Prints & Impressions Sections. These Sections perform scientific analysis and examination of evidence as requested by state and local law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and prosecutors, and as ordered by a court upon request of the defense. This includes laboratory examination, reporting the results, and, as required, providing testimony in courts of law.

This service area directly supports the Department's mission of providing laboratory services, supporting the criminal justice system, and advancing the understanding of forensic science through its products and services.

§ 9.1-1101. Powers and duties of the Department

The Digital & Multimedia Evidence (DME) Section provides forensic services encompassing the preservation, repair, acquisition, processing, analysis, clarification and reporting of information stored on evidence in an analog or digital format. The section is divided into the sub-disciplines of Computer/Mobile/Digital-Storage Device Analysis and Video/Image Analysis.

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  Computer/Mobile/Digital-Storage Device Analysis involves the scientific examination of electronically stored information contained on a wide variety of devices, including advanced methods to acquire information from damaged and/or secured devices. Device examples include:

  
  

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  Computer Systems, such as servers, desktops, laptops, digital video/audio recorders, gaming systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices

  
  


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  Mobile Devices, such as cellular telephones, tablets, and GPS navigation devices

  
  


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  Digital-Storage Devices, such as hard-disk drives, flash memory, and optical discs

  
  

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  Video/Image Analysis involves the scientific examination of analog or digital multimedia and video recordings, or print or digital images for the purpose of improving the visual appearance of specific features within the video recording or image or the overall recording or image.  These recordings and images can originate from a variety of sources including cellular telephones, hand-held video cameras, body cameras, security/surveillance cameras, dashboard cameras, and home videos.

  
  

The Firearms & Toolmarks Section provides scientific analysis and examination of firearms, ammunition, ammunition components, tools, and toolmarks.

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  Firearm analysis – the examination of firearms for operability, physical characteristics, manufacturer, model, and serial number.

  
  


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  Serial number restoration – the restoration of damaged or obliterated serial numbers for firearms tracing.

  
  


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  Ammunition and ammunition components analysis – the examination of bullets, cartridge cases, and shotshell cases to determine if they were fired from a single weapon or multiple weapons, or if they were fired from a specific firearm submitted as part of the case.

  
  


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  Distance determination – the examination of clothing or other materials for the presence of burnt, partially burnt and unburnt gunpowder, vaporous lead and particulate metals in order to determine the approximate distance the muzzle of a firearm was from an object at the time of firing.

  
  


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  National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) – the entry and database searching of digital images of the markings on cartridges and shotshell cases recovered from crime scenes or test fires obtained from submitted firearms to potentially link different crimes together.

  
  


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  Tool and toolmark analysis – the determination of the source of a toolmark.

  
  

The Latent Prints & Impressions Section provides scientific analysis and examination of fingerprints, palm prints, and shoe and tire impressions.

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  Latent print analysis – the development and recovery of latent prints from items of evidence, comparison of the latent prints to known exemplars and database searches for potential latent print matches.

  
  


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  Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) – the entry and database searching of latent prints. Where identification cannot be effected, the latent print may be registered in the unsolved latent database.

  
  


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  Shoe and tire impressions analysis – The comparison of unknown impressions from crime scenes to known tire or shoe impressions to attempt to identify the specific source or origin. 

  
  

All three sections in this service area also provide the following products and services:

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  Issue Certificates of Analysis (the results of examination and scientific analysis) and provide explanation of the examinations/analyses and the results when requested

  
  


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  Provide expert witness testimony in courts of law in addition to pre-trial consultations with attorneys for the Commonwealth and the defense

  
  


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  Train law enforcement, attorneys, etc., in the recognition, collection, preservation, and handling of evidence, as well as, the use of forensic results in their investigations and trials

  
  

This service area is funded almost entirely through the general fund. A limited amount of federal funding has been obtained by the agency to use for continuing education of staff in each of the disciplines covered by this service area.

This service area consists of the Forensic Training Section, which operates the Forensic Science Academy and offers various short courses aimed at teaching law enforcement personnel about the different services offered by the Department and how to properly locate, recognize, document, collect and submit crime scene evidence in a manner that preserves it for future forensic analyses. By combining training on crime scene techniques and laboratory capabilities, law enforcement personnel are not only able to properly identify and handle evidence from crime scenes, they are able to limit initial evidence submissions to the most probative evidence resulting in more efficient and effective operations.

This service area directly supports the Department's mission of providing laboratory services, supporting the criminal justice system, and advancing the understanding of forensic science through its products and services.

§ 9.1-1101. Powers and duties of the Department

§ 9.1-1103. Forensic Science Academy

The Forensic Training Section provides on-going training of law enforcement personnel in crime scene processing and evidence handling. Consistent approach by state and local law enforcement agencies in the collection and preservation of physical evidence enhances the ability of the Department to provide optimal scientific support services to the criminal justice system. Law enforcement personnel receive training in the recognition, documentation, collection, preservation, and handling of physical evidence through:

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  The Forensic Science Academy (FSA), a nine-week program providing classroom instruction by crime scene experts, forensic science experts, evidence collection demonstrations, and numerous practical exercises in simulated crime scenes

  
  


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  Continuing education for the FSA alumni

  
  


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  Short courses and workshops addressing current trends, as well as, providing basic and advanced technical instruction

  
  

This service area has traditionally been funded exclusively by the general fund. However, since FY17, DFS has been able to obtain grant funding to cover the purchase of training equipment and the salary of a temporary part-time trainer.

This service area provides the overall direction and management of the agency. It also provides all support services to the agency such as lab safety, facility operation and maintenance, information technology, legal resources, human resources, grant administration, purchasing, accounts payable, financial reporting and budgeting.

This service area directly aligns with DFS' mission by providing overall management and direction of the Department and the support necessary to accomplish its objectives.

§ 9.1-1100. Department of Forensic Science created; Director

§ 9.1-1101. Powers and duties of the Department

Agency Management and Direction - responsible for strategic planning, continuity of operations planning, agency funding, budgeting / resource allocation, and policy alignment; coordinate and process responses to subpoenas duces tecum, discovery motions, and FOIA requests; provide legal advice to the agency, as well as training and guidance to agency staff, attorneys, judges, medical examiners, legislators, and law enforcement; and provide administrative support and resources for the Forensic Science Board and the Scientific Advisory Committee.

Facility Management – responsible for the operation, maintenance, and security of the four laboratory buildings which house DFS operations, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner operations, and certain other programs of the Department of Health; and oversee and manage routine construction or renovation performed within a DFS facility, including working with the Department of General Services (DGS) to obtain all necessary permits and approvals.

Human Resources – ensure agency compliance with Federal and State employment laws, as well as policies issued by the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM); work with other state agencies and outside entities on behalf of DFS employees; and assist agency personnel in the areas of: recruitment, employee benefits, employee relations, performance management training and administration.

Procurement Services –ensure the most appropriate method of procurement for acquisition of goods, services, telecommunications, and IT services and supplies in support of the agency’s mission while ensuring agency compliance with applicable procurement laws and regulations; administer the Small Purchase Charge Card (SPCC) program; develop and administer the agency’s SWaM Plan to maximize usage of small, women and minority owned businesses; train agency personnel on the proper and efficient use of eVA; oversee surplus property disposal for the agency; and perform Transportation Officer duties in accordance with Fleet Management guidelines. In addition, establish, negotiate and administer low to complex contracts and transactions to ensure goods and services meet quality standards at the most reasonable cost. 

Information Technology – ensure agency compliance with all state, federal, and agency specific information technology laws and regulations, as well as related policies and procedures; serve as agency liaison with the Virginia Information Technology Agency (VITA); serve as Agency Security Officer for the State’s Procurement System (eVA); provide application support for agency specific applications; provide hardware, software, and firmware support for assets specifically used for scientific analysis and examination; and manage computer security.

Financial Management – perform accounts payable and accounts receivable duties in compliance with the Commonwealth Accounting Policies and Procedures (CAPP) Manual; certify the accuracy of all agency payrolls; perform Security Officer duties for central agency systems; ensure proper internal controls are in place, documented, and functioning as intended in order to protect Commonwealth assets; ensure all assets and liabilities are properly recorded in the Commonwealth’s financial statements; prepare and submit monthly and annual financial reports; develop and monitor agency budgets; prepare and submit decision packages to DPB; and monitor and report capital outlay expenses and prepare necessary capital outlay progress forms and reports for DGS.

This service area is funded almost entirely through the general fund.