About DFS
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is an independent, nationally accredited forensic laboratory system created by state law. DFS examines and analyzes evidence from criminal cases at the request of Virginia state and local law enforcement, medical examiners, and Commonwealth’s Attorneys. Courts may also order DFS services for the defense. When resources are available, DFS provides services to federal investigative agencies as required by law.
DFS forensic scientists examine evidence from crime scenes, explain what the results mean, and provide technical support, training, and expert testimony across a wide range of forensic disciplines.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
To provide reliable and timely forensic laboratory services for criminal cases in Virginia, support the criminal justice system, and advance forensic science to help keep the public safe.
Vision
To support the criminal justice system fairly and objectively by leading in forensic science.
Values
DFS is committed to:
- Quality
- Integrity
- Impartiality
- Diversity
- Resilience
All DFS employees must commit to the Department’s Code of Professional Responsibilities and Ethics.
History
In 1970, a national law enforcement survey found that Virginia needed a statewide forensic laboratory system. In response, the General Assembly created the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) in 1972, which included a Bureau of Forensic Science. This new bureau brought together the Commonwealth’s existing drug and toxicology labs and expanded forensic services across the state.
As forensic work in Virginia grew, the Bureau became a Division in 1990. In 1996, it moved from the Department of General Services to the Department of Criminal Justice Services. In 2005, it became the Department of Forensic Science (DFS), reporting to the Governor’s Secretary of Public Safety.
Today, DFS provides full forensic laboratory services to more than 400 law enforcement agencies across Virginia, while remaining an independent agency.
Key Milestones
1972 – The General Assembly created the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), which included a Bureau of Forensic Science.
1974 – The Virginia Forensic Science Academy holds its first training session.
1984 – Virginia Commonwealth University launches a graduate program in forensic science.
1988 – Virginia creates one of the nation’s first programs focused on drug-impaired driving.
1989 – DFS earns national accreditation and becomes the first state lab to provide DNA testing to law enforcement and to create a DNA Data Bank of convicted sex offenders. A new Northern Virginia lab opens in Fairfax.
1990 – As the Bureau grew, it became a full Division. The DNA Data Bank was expanded to include all convicted felons.
1992 – Virginia becomes a pilot state for national DNA and firearms comparison databases.
1994 – A DNA Data Bank match leads to a conviction, and Virginia shifts fully from traditional serology to DNA testing.
1995 – A new Western Virginia laboratory opens in Roanoke.
1996 – The Division moved to the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The DNA Data Bank was expanded to include juveniles convicted of, or found responsible for, felony offenses.
1998 – Virginia’s DNA Data Bank leads to the first interstate DNA match. New labs opened in Richmond and Norfolk.
1999–2000 – The Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine is created, with its first graduating class in 2000.
2002 – The DNA Data Bank records its 1,000th match.
2003 – DNA samples are required at arrest for certain violent and property crimes.
2005 – The Department of Forensic Science is formally established.
2006 – The DNA Data Bank was expanded to include people required to register as sex offenders.
2008 – The DNA Data Bank recorded its 5,000th match. DFS publishes scientific procedures and training manuals on its website.
2009 – DFS earns international accreditation and opens a new Northern Virginia lab in Manassas.
2011 – The Central Laboratory was renamed the Paul B. Ferrara Building, and familial DNA searching began. The DNA Data Bank was also expanded to include people convicted of certain misdemeanors that do not require sex offender registration.
2015 – The DNA Data Bank reaches 10,000 matches.
2016 – The Western Laboratory completes a major renovation and expansion.
2018 – DFS renews its international laboratory accreditation.
2020 – The Virginia Forensic Science Academy holds its 100th training session.
2021 – The DNA Data Bank records its 15,000th match. DFS holds its first Forensic Training for Attorneys and Judges on controlled substances analysis in Fall 2021.
2022 – DFS celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2023 – In March, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Central Laboratory in Hanover County. In December, DFS increased transparency through a public-facing Case Statistics Dashboard on its website that shows case submissions and completions, average turnaround times, caseloads and backlogs.
2024 – Sexual Assault Kit Processing Unit established for Physical Evidence Recovery Kits (PERKs).
2026 – DFS moving its statewide offices and Central Laboratory scientific services to a new facility in Hanover County.