Virginia Department of Forensic Science

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is a state agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to provide laboratory services in criminal matters in Virginia and to increase understanding of forensic science in general.^[2]

Virginia Department of Forensic Science

Virginia Department of Forensic Science
Agency overview
Formed	1972[1]
Jurisdiction	Virginia
Headquarters	700 North Fifth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 37.54712°N 77.43374°W / 37.54712; -77.43374
Employees	326[2]
Annual budget	$47,861,280 USD[2]
Agency executive	Linda Jackson[3], Department Director
Parent agency	Virginia Secretary of Public Safety
Website	dfs.virginia.gov

In 1972, DFS was first formed as a bureau attached to the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS).^[1] This bureau became a division in 1990, and a department in 2005. The current director, Linda Jackson, has been director of DFS since February 2013.^[4][5] DFS reports to the Governor's Secretary of Public Safety.^[6]