Virginia Department of Forensic Science relocates Medical Examiner's Office to Hanover

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is set to relocate its Medical Examiner’s Office from its current Richmond location to a new, state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Scheduled to open by the summer of 2025, the new facility aims to meet the growing demand for forensic science services and provide enhanced space, equipment, and security for investigations.

The move to Hanover is expected to improve the efficiency of the office, which handles critical tasks such as death investigations and autopsies. The new facility will offer advanced technology and equipment, allowing for more precise investigations and faster processing. Moreover, it will provide a more comfortable and private environment for families who need to identify loved ones, addressing one of the key concerns raised about the current Richmond facility, which has become outdated over the years.

The current Medical Examiner’s Office in Richmond, in operation since 1995, has struggled to keep up with the increasing demand for forensic services. The facility’s outdated infrastructure no longer meets the needs of a growing state, prompting the move to a larger and more modern space. By relocating to Hanover, the DFS aims to enhance its capacity to deliver more efficient forensic services to law enforcement agencies and medical examiners throughout Virginia.

The new office is designed to provide improved conditions for both the staff and the citizens they serve. With a focus on technology and security, the facility will be better equipped to handle forensic investigations with greater precision. This relocation is part of a broader effort by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science to stay ahead of the increasing demands placed on forensic science services and ensure that they can continue to provide the high-quality, timely results needed for law enforcement and legal proceedings.

The DFS spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about the relocation, emphasizing how the new facility will bolster their capacity to serve Virginians effectively. The relocation also represents a significant investment in the state's forensic science infrastructure, helping the DFS to continue providing essential services, such as DNA analysis, fingerprint comparison, and forensic toxicology, with greater efficiency and accuracy.