"Virginia's crime lab has been a national pioneer in the field of DNA, and that well-earned reputation for scientific integrity in DNA and other evidence analysis is in large measure a testimony to the skill and leadership of Dr. Ferrara, and the team of scientists he has assembled and trained at our Department of Forensic Science," Governor Kaine said. "As the field of DNA analysis has matured into the 'gold standard' of evidence in criminal justice matters, Dr. Ferrara has been consistent in his insistence that DFS produce good, solid science, and he deserves our deep appreciation for steady leadership and long service to the Commonwealth."
Governor Kaine will ask the Virginia Board of Forensic Science to recommend a set of qualifications the Governor should consider in appointing a successor, as well as a list of names they recommend he consider for the appointment. Ferrara has set December 31, 2006 as his retirement date, but has agreed to remain on the job until a suitable successor is named.
Paul Ferrara earned his doctoral degrees in organic chemistry from Syracuse University and from the State University of New York. He is a distinguished professor of forensic science at Virginia Commonwealth University, and co-founder of the Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine. In 2001, Ferrara was the recipient of the Briggs White Award, the highest honor presented annually by American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors in recognition of excellence through leadership in forensic science management. In 2002, Ferrara received the prestigious President's Award from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.
"Paul Ferrara began his forensic career in 1971, and Virginia law enforcement and judicial officials have benefited tremendously from his 35 years of service," said Virginia Public Safety Secretary John Marshall. "Dr. Ferrara has been a recognized leader in adapting transformational change both in the quality and quantity of the science used in our criminal justice system, and for that we owe him our respect and thanks."
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is a nationally accredited forensic laboratory system serving all state and local law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and Commonwealth's Attorneys in Virginia. DFS examiners provide technical assistance and training, evaluate and analyze evidence, interpret results, and provide expert testimony related to the full spectrum of physical evidence recovered from crime scenes. DFS, with more than 300 employees, provides comprehensive forensic laboratory services to over 400 law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth.
In 1989, DFS became the first state laboratory to offer DNA analyses to law enforcement agencies, and the first to create a DNA databank of previously convicted sex offenders. In 1992, Virginia became a pilot state for a National DNA Databank, and in 1994, Virginia became the first state to discontinue traditional serology (blood evidence) analysis in favor of DNA analysis.
In 1994, a "cold hit," or match, from the DNA Databank resulted in a first conviction, and by November 13, 2002, Virginia's DNA Databank had recorded its 1,000th "hit." Through June 30, 2006, the DNA Databank held nearly 250,000 profiles of individuals convicted of violent offenses and property crimes, resulting in 3,451 total "hits."
