Virginia DFS DNA Backlog Reduction Project

he Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is applying for funding under the FY24 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program. Through this solicitation DFS is seeking to continue to fund six DNA analyst positions (five in casework and one in the data bank) and one support position in casework. This will maintain the increased capacity of both the casework and the data bank sections. These positions will be directly involved in the processing of crime scene and data bank samples for inclusion into the state and national DNA indexes. Continued funding is requested for a validation scientist whose current work will be focused on validating a new robotic platform for use in the department’s four laboratories.

To maintain current efficiencies in the Virginia DNA data bank, buccal sample collectors will be purchased. These are used to collect specimens from Virginia offenders for inclusion in the database. The collectors can be utilized with robotics in the DFS data bank section to allow for efficient testing of these types of samples. Sexual assault evidence collection kits for the state of Virginia will also be requested, which allows for a unified statewide approach in the collection of sexual assault evidence and testing in the DFS laboratories. DNA testing chemistries will be requested for testing evidence and reference samples. These chemistries will be used to generate DNA profiles from samples for inclusion in state and national data bases. Scientists working in this field have required continuing education to complete on a yearly basis; therefore, funds will be requested to fulfill this accreditation requirement. This critical funding will support the continued operations of the laboratory and allow staff members to receive required training. Lastly, to expand our capabilities in probabilistic genotyping testing, funds for specific STRmix training will be requested for our scientist staff.