DFS successfully renews its accreditation through ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
Click on the image to learn more.
Forensic Science and Medicine Week 2018
As we celebrate Forensic Science and Medicine Week, we recognize the significant role that forensic science and forensic medicine play in the investigation of crimes throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you to all DFS employees and other forensic professionals across the Commonwealth for your dedication and service to the criminal justice system!
Click on the image to view the full press release.
Report Update for Drugs Submitted in Calendar Year 2017
Click on the image to see trends of seized drug submissions, broken out by the seven Virginia State Police divisions. Significant changes to the landscape of seized drugs have occurred over the past year to include increases in illicit fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.
Dr. Becky Wagner Receives Governor's Innovation Award
Congratulations to DFS Research Analyst Dr. Rebecca Wagner! Dr. Wagner has been instrumental in the use of novel technology in toxicology that has reduced the case backlog and the average turnaround times. She has also helped provide timely data to assist the Commonwealth in combating the opioid crisis. The testing methods she developed have improved efficiency and increased the scope of what can be detected in samples.
Average Case Turnaround Times by Section
This data represents the average number of days from submission to completion for the cases completed in the previous month. The turnaround time data will be updated on a monthly basis.
NIBIN Search Areas Expanded
The section utilizes the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to attempt to link different crimes together by searching images of cartridge cases or shotshell cases. Effective March 27, 2018, cases entered at all Virginia Department of Forensic Science (VADFS) laboratories will be searched against entries from the VADFS, ATF Zone 1 offices, and the following police departments: Metropolitan Police Department in Washington DC, Prince George's County Maryland, Montgomery County Maryland, and Newport News Virginia.
