Facilities
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) operates four regional laboratory facilities across the Commonwealth. These laboratories provide forensic services to Virginia’s criminal justice system and are co-located with the Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).
Central Laboratory – Mechanicsville
Opened in 2026, the Central Laboratory brings together DFS statewide offices and laboratory services in one location. The facility also houses OCME statewide offices, the OCME Central District office, and the State Anatomical Program.
Northern Laboratory – Manassas
Opened in 2009, this LEED Silver-certified facility serves Northern Virginia and surrounding areas.
Eastern Laboratory – Norfolk
DFS operations are located on the fourth and fifth floors of this facility, with OCME Eastern District and other tenants on the lower floors. DFS expanded into the fifth floor in 2014, adding more laboratory space for Controlled Substances and Toxicology.
Western Laboratory – Roanoke
Expanded and renovated in 2016, this LEED Silver-certified facility includes a three-story addition that increased laboratory and operational space.
Facility Improvements
The Commonwealth of Virginia and DFS have invested in its laboratory facilities to improve efficiency, capacity, and long-term operations.
- Energy upgrades (2009–2012): Improvements at multiple laboratories reduced energy use and were funded through cost savings.
- Eastern Laboratory expansion (2014): Added space to support growing forensic workloads.
- Western Laboratory expansion (2016): Increased laboratory capacity and modernized existing space.
- Central Laboratory (2026): Consolidated statewide operations into a single, purpose-built facility in Mechanicsville with a Two Green Globes® Certification from the Green Building Initiative.