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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 6. Criminal Justice And Corrections
12/27/2024

6VAC40. Department of Forensic Science

VAC AGENCY NO. 40
DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
AGENCY SUMMARY

The Department of Forensic Science, a nationally accredited laboratory system, is authorized by Chapter 11 (§ 9.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 9.1 and Chapter 1.2 (§ 19.2-11.5 et seq.) and Article 1.1 (§ 19.2-310.2 et seq.) of Chapter 18 of Title 19.2 of the Code of Virginia to provide forensic laboratory services in criminal matters; provide advanced training to law-enforcement agencies in the location, collection, and preservation of evidence; maintain and test the accuracy of equipment used to test the blood alcohol content of breath; and maintain a statewide tracking system for physical evidence recovery kits. The department is also authorized to establish and maintain a DNA testing program to receive DNA samples taken pursuant to § 19.2-310.2 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, determine identification characteristics specific to an individual, and store and maintain the resulting identification profiles in a DNA Data Bank.

The Department is authorized by Article 2 (§ 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 and Chapter 12 (§ 19.2-183 et seq.) and Article 1.1 (§ 19.2-310.2 et seq.) of Chapter 18 of Title 19.2 of the Code of Virginia to (i) prescribe the methods for obtaining information from the DNA Data Bank, (ii) approve field tests for the detection of controlled substances and marijuana, (iii) license persons to administer breath tests, and (iv) prescribe methods and equipment for breath tests.

The Forensic Science Board is authorized by Article 2 (§ 9.1-1109 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 9.1 of the Code of Virginia to adopt regulations for all provisions of the Code of Virginia as they relate to the responsibilities of the department.
The department operates under the supervision of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Regulations are available at the department's principal office at 700 North Fifth Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Internet address: dfs.virginia.gov/.

Rev. 07/2024

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