Forensic Science Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, access to state-of-the-art forensic analysis significantly improves the investigation of criminal activity, aiding in the exoneration of the innocent and the prosecution of the guilty; and

WHEREAS, crime scene investigators in law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth locate, recognize, document, collect, preserve, and properly package items of physical evidence for examination; and

WHEREAS, scientists at the Department of Forensic Science provide accurate and reliable analysis of recovered evidence and submitted samples in the Controlled Substances, Digital & Multimedia Evidence, Firearms & Toolmarks, Forensic Biology, including the DNA Data Bank, Latent Prints & Impressions, Toxicology, and Trace Evidence Sections; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Forensic Science advances the understanding of forensic science through its discipline-specific trainings for Virginia attorneys and judges, its scientific research, and its Forensic Training and Breath Alcohol Sections, which offer a variety of training programs for law enforcement in crime scene technology and licensure for breath test operators; and

WHEREAS, professional organizations across the nation recognize and celebrate National Forensic Science Week; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth’s forensic science community is recognized and appreciated for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing quality and unbiased scientific analysis in support of the cause of justice;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 17-23, 2023, as FORENSIC SCIENCE WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations