Forensic Sciences Unit
The Forensic Sciences Unit plays a critical role for VBPD, identifying suspects and resolving investigations
Virginia Beach Police Department
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The Virginia Beach Police Department’s Forensic Services Unit (FSU) provides critical investigative information by applying state-of-the-art scientific techniques to collect and analyze physical evidence.
Comprised of non-sworn professionals, FSU operates around the clock to ensure criminal investigations are resolved efficiently and effectively.
FSU’s Crime Scene section is staffed by nine full-time civilian investigators and three shift supervisors. These professionals are highly skilled in crime scene analysis, including crime scene reconstruction, bloodstain pattern analysis, entomology, human remains recovery, serial number restoration, audio and video recovery, and more.
As part of the Crime Scene Section, VBPD’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) technician tests and analyzes firearms to investigate shootings, straw purchases, and more. In Sept. 2025, construction of VBPD’s Test Fire Room was completed, allowing firearms testing to be done on-site for the first time in the department’s history.
FSU’s Latent Fingerprint Section is staffed by two full-time examiners and a supervisor. These professionals are responsible for examining latent fingerprints recovered from crime scenes to identify victims, suspects, and other individuals associated with criminal incidents.
In 2024, the Latent Fingerprint Section processed more than 1,800 fingerprint comparisons.
What type of education is required when seeking a career in forensic science?
For a position with VBPD's Forensic Services Unit a four-year degree is preferred. A strong knowledge in science, specifically forensic science, ensures that our employees are aware of the scientific and legal processes that are the foundation of our field.
What is your advice for someone looking to pursue a career in forensic science?
Due to the competitive hiring process in this career field it is recommended to pursue at least a Bachelor of Science in forensic science degree and to complete an internship while pursuing this degree.
Where can I go to look for job openings in the forensic field?
Visit vbgovcareers.com for jobs with the City of Virginia Beach, or www.crime-scene-investigator.net for jobs throughout the United States and occasionally abroad. The various professional organizations within the forensic science field also maintain job posting boards. Check out vacancies at www.theIAI.org, www.cbdiai.org, www.aafs.org, and others.