• Summary of current service performance
  The Department operates four laboratories in the Commonwealth; Northern Lab in Fairfax, Central Lab in Richmond, Eastern Lab in Norfolk, and Western Lab in Roanoke. The DFS headquarters is co-located with the Central Lab. The agency provides four major products and services to its customers:
  
  Analysis and examination of forensic evidence
  Communicating the results of analysis and examination
  Training in forensic evidence
  Providing evidence collection resources
  
  Analyzing and Examining Evidence
  
  Forensic science is more than just DNA testing. The Department provides forensic analyses and examinations in the following disciplines:
  
  • Forensic Biology: analysis and comparison of biological material, i.e., DNA analysis
  • Controlled Substances: analysis of licit and illicit drugs (controlled substances)
  • Forensic Toxicology: analysis of post-mortem biological materials for poisons and their amounts; e.g.,
  alcohol, drugs, etc.
  • Trace Evidence: examination and comparison of such evidence as paint, explosives, glass, fire debris,
  gunshot residue, hairs and fibers, fracture matches, fabric separations and general chemicals
  • Firearms/Toolmarks: examination and comparison of firearms, ammunition, and toolmarks
  • Latent Prints/Impressions: development, examination and comparison of fingerprints, tire prints and shoe
  prints
  • Forensic Imaging: enhancement of photographic and video and audio recordings
  • Questioned Documents: examinations and comparisons of handwritten and machine generated documents
  (or their components), generally in an effort toward establishing authenticity or origin
  • Blood Pattern Analysis: examination of deposited blood to provide for reconstruction of the course of events
  and possibly a sequence of events
  
  Law enforcement agencies and medical examiners submit approximately 99% of the evidence received by Department. The remainder comes from Commonwealth’s attorneys and court-ordered examinations for defense attorneys. In FY 1999, there were 58,521 new cases submitted as compared the 64640 new cases submitted in FY 2007 resulting in a 10.5% increase in the number of new cases submitted for testing. Firearms was the discipline that has been growing the fastest and grew at the rate of 102% for this period.
  
  Communicating the Results of Analyses and Examinations
  
  DFS conveys the results of analyses and examinations to its customers through the following:
  
  • Preparation of official reports (Certificates of Analysis) on the results of analyses and examinations that can
  be used in court as evidence
  • Consultations with criminal investigators concerning the results and how to interpret them
  • Pre-trial consultations with prosecutors and defense attorneys in preparation for court proceedings
  • Providing expert witness testimony in courts of law
  
  Training in Forensic Evidence
  
  • The Department’s Forensic Training Section administers the Virginia Forensic Science Academy, a 9-week
  school of crime scene technology for twelve law enforcement personnel three times a year. It also offers
  approximately 20-30 programs of varying length and complexity, providing technical training to 600 - 700
  officers annually.
  
  • The Breath Alcohol Program trains and licenses breath test instrument operators. These instruments are
  used to measure and document the amount of alcohol in an individual’s blood by testing one’s breath. This
  evidence can be used in court. Performance is measured in the number of law enforcement personnel who
  are trained and licensed.
  
  • DFS trains prosecutors (through the Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council) and judges (through
  judicial conferences) in the use and understanding of forensic evidence.
  
  Providing Evidence Collection Resources
  
  DFS supports the 360 law enforcement agencies of the Commonwealth with the following:
  
  • Develops and publishes lists of preliminary breath test devices and field test kits approved for the presumptive
  chemical testing of materials for controlled substances.
  
  • Provides law enforcement agencies with physical evidence recovery kits for biological evidence, recovery kits
  for gun shot residue, and kits for submission of blood for DUI/DUID testing.
  
  • Provides, services, and certifies 168 breath test instruments located around the Commonwealth.
• Summary of current productivity
  Consistent with the national trend, the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is being faced with increasing demands for the analysis of physical evidence to determine the guilt or innocence of a suspect. The long time frames for testing were found to be particularly problematic given the speedy trial provisions in §19.2-243 of the Code of Virginia. Performance measures of how DFS is meeting its obligation to criminal justice agencies include the number of cases backlogged and the turn around time (TAT) for a case. The backlog is the number of cases that have not been completed as of any given time. TAT is the amount of time in days that a case has been in the DFS from receipt until completion. The average TAT for a case in FY 2007 was 64 days. The highest TAT was in forensic biology with 215 days; the lowest, 29 days in forensic toxicology. When results are not available because of high turn around times, investigations and prosecutions of these cases may be hampered or thwarted in the adjudication of criminal cases. Cases must be continued or even dismissed when results are not available and speedy trial requirements are not met. Often the guilty remain free to commit further crimes while the evidence that could convict them languishes in a laboratory evidence room for months or longer. Similarly an innocent individual may remain under a cloud of suspicion or even be incarcerated until the forensic testing that would ultimately exonerate him is forthcoming.
  
  DFS is a leader in the implementation of automation in analytical protocols to increase the productivity of personnel. However, the increases in productivity during the past 8 years have not kept pace with the increased case submissions by law enforcement agencies. The expansion of the DNA CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) data base, IAFIS (Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System), and the Firearms NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) data base has provided greater success rates on non-suspect cases which in turn has further increased the number of submissions. The awareness of the public of forensic science capabilities has contributed to the increased awareness by investigators, and also by jurors who are influencing the courts to expect a greater reliance on physical evidence. This has further increased the number of case submissions.

• Summary of Major Initiatives and Related Progress
  [Nothing entered]
• Summary of Virginia's Ranking
  The Department and its four laboratories earned their initial accreditations from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) in 1989. Every five years since then, the system has been re-accredited, most recently in 2004. ASCLD/LAB offers accreditation to forensic laboratories that exhibit strict compliance to a large number of rigorous quality standards. The accreditation program is voluntary and open to any crime laboratory. The program’s criteria address all areas of the laboratory’s operations including management, personnel training and qualifications, technical operations, evidence handling, proficiency testing, lab security, and health and safety. Compliance to these standards is assessed through a comprehensive and thorough inspection performed by an external team of ASCLD/LAB trained inspectors. Accreditation requires the review of 151 standards. Accreditation is granted for a period of five years during which time the ASCLD/LAB Proficiency Review Committee reviews Proficiency Test results for each accredited discipline and requires an annual audit report be submitted to the ASCLD/LAB standards.
• Summary of Customer Trends and Coverage
  [Nothing entered]

• Summary of Future Direction and Expectations
  [Nothing entered]
• Summary of Potential Impediments to Achievement
  [Nothing entered]

• Description of the Agency's Products and/or Services:
  The agency provides four major products and services to its customers:
  
  Analysis and examination of forensic evidence
  Communicating the results of analysis and examination
  Training in forensic evidence
  Providing evidence collection resources
• Factors Impacting Agency Products and/or Services:
  [Nothing entered]
• Anticipated Changes in Products or Services:
  [Nothing entered]

• Financial Overview:
  DFS funding is 100% general fund, except for non-recurring federal and state grant sources for expenditures such as equipment, overtime, new technology and mandated training.
• Financial Breakdown:

  	FY 2009			FY 2010
  	General Fund	Nongeneral Fund		General Fund	Nongeneral Fund
  Base Budget	$35,703,991	$1,505,984		$35,703,991	$1,505,984
  Change To Base	$0	$0		$0	$0
  Agency Total	$35,703,991	$1,505,984		$35,703,991	$1,505,984

  This financial summary is computed from information entered in the service area plans.

• Overview
  As of July 1, 2008, the Department of Forensic Science has an authorized FTE level of 320 positions. Additionally, the agency uses 31 wage positions to supplement staffing.
• Human Resource Levels

  Effective Date	8/12/2008
  Total Authorized Position level	320
  Vacant Positions	-30
  Current Employment Level	290.0
  Non-Classified (Filled)	3
  Full-Time Classified (Filled)	291		breakout of Current Employment Level
  Part-Time Classified (Filled)	0
  Faculty (Filled)	0
  Wage	26
  Contract Employees	0
  Total Human Resource Level	316.0		= Current Employment Level + Wage and Contract Employees

• Factors Impacting HR
  [Nothing entered]
• Anticipated HR Changes
  [Nothing entered]

• Narrative overview of the current state of IT in the agency:
  DFS completed its deployment of the new building access control systems at the Roanoke and Richmond laboratories in September 2007. The network infrastructure upgrade, to support VOIP and IT security policy compliance, will be completed by November 2007 as will the deployment of the VOIP systems at the Richmond, Norfolk and Roanoke laboratories (deployment of the VOIP system for the Northern Virginia laboratory is not scheduled until the new facility has been built, estimated completion date April 2009). DFS also completed, in October 2007, the deployment of new audio visual equipment located in the Forensic Academy training rooms at the Richmond laboratory. DFS anticipates similar equipment will be installed at its new Forensic Science Academy facility in February 2008. The audio visual equipment in the existing Forensic Science training rooms will be used for forensic science staff, forensic science students/trainees and Richmond laboratory administration staff for presentations, distant learning, video testimony and video conferences.
  
  DFS expects the next release (version 2.0) of the Forensic Advantage (FA) Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to be code ready by December 2007 and expects to start testing version 2.0 third quarter FY 08. DFS does not expect additional FA software costs associated with this upgrade per current contract. However, DFS must maintain its current Microsoft Enterprise Agreement/Software Asurety (EA/SA) Licenses to enable the Department to upgrade to the latest release of Microsoft Windows, Office and Server as required by Forensic Advantage. DFS must also maintain its current computer desktops, laptops and servers to ensure compatibility/functionality with FA and the required Microsoft applications and forensic science instrumentation and software (GC/MS, FMBio, SEM, etc.).
  
  The Department’s public facing website and web applications are currently being hosted and maintained by the Department of Criminal Justice Services. DFS must maintain compliance with state and federal accessibility laws and desires to have the site moved (hosted) to a web hosting facility by end of FY 08. DFS performed an extensive study on the existing website and web applications and has determined that an entire rewrite of the website and web applications is necessary to ensure compliance with current and future accessibility laws.
  
  DFS’ IT systems support the agency’s mission to provide accurate and timely forensic science analyses by providing automated systems to track evidence and forensic examinations. The IT systems also provide the agency with workload reports to monitor and track case backlog which is essential to ensure timely analyses of forensic examinations.
  
  DFS’ IT systems track certification of DUI equipment operators, maintenance logs of equipment and results of DUI tests to support safe transportation in Virginia.
  
  DFS’ IT systems provide Virginia’s law enforcement community with convenient methods to register for training classes/seminars to improve quality of evidence collection. The IT systems also track law enforcement personnel applying for and attending the seminars, refresher courses and the Forensic Science Academy.
  
  The IT systems also support the agency’s VOIP telephone system and the agency’s building access control systems.
  
  The Department can increase efficiency of existing laboratory resources by installing new LIMS application modules that allow tighter integration of laboratory equipment, resources and work flow processes.
• Narrative description of the factors impacting agency IT:
  The following items will have an impact on agency IT:
  
  The Department is expanding its facilities in Richmond and Norfolk and has started construction of a new laboratory in Northern VA. These expansion projects and new facilities will require IT infrastructure to support agency network connectivity for access to IT systems, VOIP and building access control systems. The IT infrastructure support issue involving the installation of the wiring, VOIP and access control systems will be addressed as part of the new Northern VA construction project.
  
  New DUI breath testing equipment will be purchased this fiscal year requiring a new interface to be developed to support this equipment for integration into the IT systems.
  
  The Department is expanding its use of the DNA databank to ensure demographic data is appropriate for comparison. This will require new modules to be developed to compare data with other Public Safety agencies as required by law.
  
  A number of the Department’s desktop computers have or are approaching their useful life span (five years old) and will require technology refresh during the 2008-2010 biennium.
  
  DFS is engaged with its LIMS system provider to develop modules to increase laboratory work flow efficiencies by integrating forensic laboratory equipment/instruments into the Forensic Advantage LIMS application.
  
  The Department is moving towards the installation of a new VOIP telephone system for its four laboratory facilities. Once the “New” Northern VA Laboratory is complete, the Department will be on one integrated VOIP system. DFS is evaluating the impact on current IT personnel to ensure adequate support is provided for this technology.
  
  The current arrangement of hosting the DFS’ website through the MOU process with another state agency is nearing its completion. The Department is pursuing the option of having VITA/VA.gov host the website to better serve citizens of Virginia and the law enforcement community.
  
  Enforcement and compliance with COV IT Security Policy/ Standards and guidelines will impact current IT resources and expenditures.
• Describe any anticipated or desired changes to agency IT:
  In order to address DFS unique IT needs and compliance with State policies, DFS envisions adding IT staff during the 2008-2010 biennium.
  
  DFS does not expect additional software costs associated with upgrading the LIMS application per current contract. However, DFS must maintain its current software licenses to enable the Department to upgrade to the latest release of computer operating systems, office productivity software and server applications as required by the LIMS application. DFS must also refresh its current computer desktops, laptops and servers to ensure compatibility/functionality with the LIMS application and the required operating system/office productivity software and forensic science instrumentation and software.
• IT Current Services:

  	Cost - Year 1		Cost - Year 2
  	General Fund	Non-general Fund	General Fund	Non-general Fund
  Projected FY2010 VITA Service Fees	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Changes (+/-) to VITA Infrastructure	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Estimated VITA Infrastruture	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Specialized Infrastructure	$493,740	$0	$493,740	$0
  Agency IT Staff	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Non-agency IT Staff	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Other Application Costs	$814,060	$0	$814,060	$0
  Agency IT Current Services	$1,307,800	$0	$1,307,800	$0

  Comments:
  [Nothing entered]
• Proposed IT Investments

  	Cost - Year 1		Cost - Year 2
  	General Fund	Non-general Fund	General Fund	Non-general Fund
  Major IT Projects	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Non-major IT Projects From $100,000 - $1 Milliona Total Cost	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Non-major IT Projects Below $100,000 Total Cost	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Major IT Procurements - Stand-alone	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Non-major IT Procurements - Stand-alone	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Total Proposed IT Investments	$0	$0	$0	$0

• Projected Total IT Budget

  	Cost - Year 1		Cost - Year 2
  	General Fund	Non-general Fund	General Fund	Non-general Fund
  Agency IT Current Services	$1,307,800	$0	$1,307,800	$0
  Total Proposed IT Investments	$0	$0	$0	$0
  Agency Projected Total IT Budget	$1,307,800	$0	$1,307,800	$0

• Current State of Capital Investments:
  The Department of Forensic Science operates four laboratories in state-owned facilities in Richmond, Fairfax, Norfolk, and Roanoke. Facility management is provided with two classified employees in the Division of Administration and Finance and operations and maintenance contract personnel in each location. Each facility also houses the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In addition, the Norfolk facility houses Norfolk Health Department offices.
  
  • Central Laboratory / Department Administration Offices (Richmond). The facility was completed in 1997 to house the laboratory and the Division administrative staff. The 135,000 square foot facility is at maximum capacity. Federal grant-funded renovation has expanded the biology (DNA) and firearms laboratories. Options to sub-divide other administrative spaces and re-configuration of office systems furniture to provide added office spaces has optimized space usage to the point that no additional internal modifications are feasible to add staff. DFS has leased approximately 15,000 square feet in a new facility adjacent to the Central Laboratory to house the Forensic Science Training Academy, the Breath Alcohol Program and agency Administrative Offices which will be occupied in the 3rd quarter of FY2008. This lease is seen as a short term solution which will allow for expansion of laboratory operations in the Central Laboratory to increase case handling capacity in the current facility. Long term space planning will need to be accomplished in the next biennium to determine if the Central Laboratory can be expanded on its current site or if relocation to a new site will be required to address the long term needs of the Central Laboratory facility. .
  
  • Northern Laboratory (Fairfax). This 30,000 square-foot structure is the oldest of the four. It was completed in 1989 before the advent of DNA technology. The site lacks expansion options. To accommodate implementing DNA analysis, two lab disciplines were eliminated requiring evidence to be transported to the Central Lab for examination. Construction of a new 115,000 square foot Northern Laboratory was begun in September 2007 with a projected occupancy date of April 2009.
  
  • Eastern Laboratory (Norfolk). The Eastern Laboratory is located on the fourth floor of a building completed in late 1999. It occupies 36,000 square-feet and is at capacity. This building has 6,000 square feet of unoccupied space on the fifth floor. $1.2 million was provided by the 2005 session of the General Assembly to expand laboratory operations into this space in FY2006. Negotiations with the City of Norfolk continue to acquire this space for DFS with construction planned to begin in the 3rd quarter of FY2008.
  
  • Western Laboratory (Roanoke). This laboratory was completed in 1995. The current staffing exceeds the staffing projections and constructed space of the building. Although there was a plan for expansion, capital outlay funded expansion is not feasible on the limited site size (two acres). The agency is exploring the possibility of obtaining 3.7 acres of land adjacent to the property which will allow for future expansion of this facility.
• Factors Impacting Capital Investments:
  [Nothing entered]
• Capital Investments Alignment:
  DFS’ mission, to perform forensic analyses, communicate its results, train, and provide evidence collection resources requires adequate space for performing this mission. These areas support Virginia’s long term objectives by improving public safety, supporting the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system, supplying the evidence and equipment to remove persons using drugs and alcohol from Virginia’s roadways, providing national leadership in forensic science, and enhancing the knowledge of forensic science for law enforcement, the courts and the citizens of the Commonwealth.

This goal directly supports DFS’ mission to provide accurate and timely forensic analyses and examinations. It further aligns with Virginia’s long-term objectives by providing forensic science services to use in court proceedings, thereby improving public safety. Additionally, it supports the fairness and effectiveness of the justice system, by giving objective evidence from which to determine guilt or innocence of criminal suspects. The goal also supports safe transportation in Virginia by supplying the evidence and equipment to remove persons using drugs and alcohol from Virginia’s roadways. The use of advanced forensic services provides national leadership in the forensics field, contributing to Virginia’s reputation as the best managed state in the nation, while engaging Virginia’s citizens and assuring them that their safety and judicial interests are served.

This goal directly supports DFS’ mission to train law enforcement, courts and the public on forensic science, and to develop, provide, and maintain evidence collection resources. It further aligns with Virginia’s long-term objectives by improving the quality of forensic science services to use in court proceedings, thereby improving public safety. Additionally, it supports the fairness and effectiveness of the justice system, by improving the quality of objective evidence from which to determine guilt or innocence of criminal suspects. The goal also supports safe transportation in Virginia by improving the quality of evidence and equipment used to remove persons using drugs and alcohol from Virginia’s roadways. Improving the quality of evidence collection and its use provides national leadership in the forensics field, contributing to Virginia’s reputation as the best-managed state in the nation, while engaging Virginia’s citizens and assuring them that their safety and judicial interests are served.

Meet expectations for developing and maintaining appropriate human resources, responsible procurement practices, sound financial management and prudent technology use, while accomplishing the Department's objectives.

This goal ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, polices and procedures for Commonwealth preparedness, as well as guidelines promulgated by the Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, in collaboration with the Governor’s Cabinet, the Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group, the Department of Planning and Budget and the Council on Virginia’s Future. The goal supports achievement of the Commonwealth’s statewide goal of protecting the public's safety and security, ensuring a fair and effective system of justice and providing a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.

• Be prepared to act in the interest of the citizens of the Commonwealth and its infrastructure during emergency situations by actively planning and training both as an agency and as individuals.