The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is a nationally accredited forensic laboratory system, 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.
Mission and Values
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.
The Department is committed to:
- Quality
- Integrity
- Impartiality
History
In 1970, a survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police demonstrated a need for a statewide forensic laboratory system in Virginia. Two years later, an act of the General Assembly created the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), which included a Bureau of Forensic Science. The new Bureau 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. In 1996, the Division transferred from the Department of General Services (DGS) to the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). In 2005, the Division was elevated to Department status under the Governor’s Secretary of Public Safety. DFS continues to provide comprehensive forensic laboratory services to over 400 law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth, while remaining independent of any of them.
Milestones
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