Employment Conditions & Requirements

The following conditions apply to all positions within DFS. Additional conditions may apply based on position.

Legal Eligibility for Employment

DFS hires individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Within the first three days of employment, you will be required to present documentation verifying your identity and work authorization. DFS uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification. This system electronically compares your Form I-9 information with records from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm your work authorization.

DNA and Fingerprint Samples

To mitigate concerns of possible contamination and ensure the integrity of forensic evidence, all DFS employees are required to provide a DNA sample, obtained via buccal swab (saliva), and fingerprints. All positions are designated as sensitive and therefore require fingerprints. These samples are stored in the DFS Staff DNA Index and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) respectively and may be retained in those databases in perpetuity. This eliminates any possibility that an identified DNA profile or latent print may belong to DFS staff who came into contact with the evidence and/or the location/equipment/supplies that were used during an examination.

Drug Testing

Due to the nature of the work performed by DFS and the unique responsibilities placed upon the Department by law enforcement, the judicial system and the citizens of the Commonwealth, it is the policy of DFS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. All new employees are subject to drug testing within their first week of employment. Continued employment is contingent upon receiving a negative drug test result. DFS employees are also subject to random drug testing throughout their tenure. A positive drug test may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Background Investigation

To ensure forensic analyses of the highest caliber and integrity, the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) conducts a comprehensive criminal background investigation on all selected candidates. Job-related convictions or falsified conviction information on an application may result in denial of employment. This policy applies to employment, contract work, and internships with DFS. All background investigations are completed through the Virginia State Police.

Automatic Disqualifiers

Below is a list of offenses that will automatically disqualify an applicant:

• Any felony conviction if the position could require testimony in a court of law, financial management of state resources, or access to sensitive information, including access to federal tax information or other financial information.
• Any conviction that requires registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
• Any misdemeanor conviction involving lying, cheating, or stealing if the position could require testimony in a court of law, financial management of state resources, or access to sensitive information, including access to federal tax information or other financial information.
• Any pending criminal charge for a violation that would otherwise be considered a disqualifier.
• Active revocation or suspension of driving privileges in any state if the position requires operation of DFS vehicles.
• A conviction of driving under the influence in the last five (5) years if the position requires operation of DFS vehicles or driving as part of the job duties.
• Any illegal use of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (listed in Title 54.1 or the Code of Virginia) in the past five (5) years.
• The illegal sale of any drug.
• Any substantive and/or intentional failure to accurately disclose information pertinent to the full, preliminary, or abbreviated background investigation.
• Documented untruthfulness during the application process.