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DFS pilots RFID, pursues NIBIN growth and a 3‑D virtual microscopy procurement
Summary
DFS said it will pilot RFID tagging in evidence receiving and toxicology, expand NIBIN participation as local agencies add sites, and is seeking bids for a 3‑D virtual microscopy instrument for firearms comparisons.
Department of Forensic Science program managers described several initiatives intended to modernize evidence management and firearms comparison workflows, including RFID pilots, support for expanding NIBIN sites and a planned procurement for a 3‑D virtual microscopy instrument.
Forensic evidence leadership said they will pilot RFID custody-tracking tags in evidence receiving and in the toxicology section, initially in Norfolk, with the goal of integrating RFID scans into the LIMS chain-of-custody record. Program managers said evidence-receiving staff have expanded outreach and training for submitting agencies and introduced tote bags and battery-safe cases for transport.
Firearms section leaders reported hiring and training progress; several positions have recent verbal or written commitments and trainees are in various completion stages. The committee heard NIBIN statistics showing 276 new potential NIBIN associations statewide earlier in the prior month but only 13 confirmed this year; staff noted that more agencies are installing local NIBIN sites (Lynchburg and Roanoke PD were cited) and that Virginia has 20 state/local NIBIN sites plus the FBI laboratory. The firearms section is also pursuing a 3‑D virtual comparison microscope and sealed bids closed in late October.
Digital-forensics staff said they are evaluating cloud-based storage options for long-term retention of electronic case files (DFS retains records for 75 years) and reported an uptick in mobile-device submissions that sometimes require advanced repair steps to permit data extraction.
The committee did not take separate votes on equipment procurement or RFID pilots during the meeting; staff said procurement will proceed via normal procurement channels and that the RFID and toxicology pilots will be evaluated for broader rollout.
