Introduction

Forensic laboratory work was introduced to Georgia in the early 1940s by Dr. Herman Jones who, while working for the Alabama Department of Toxicology, periodically assisted Georgia law enforcement officers. On June 1, 1947, Fulton County established a three-person police laboratory with Dr. Jones as Director. He accepted the directorship on the condition that the laboratory would also assist law enforcement officers in the other Georgia counties. On February 8, 1952, the laboratory officially became a state agency under the Department of Public Safety. It was the second statewide crime laboratory in the country. In 1974, the Crime Laboratory, the Division of Investigation, and Georgia Crime Information Center were separated from the Department of Public Safety and reorganized as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. In 1984, the laboratory was named the Division of Forensic Sciences (DOFS). As the need for additional forensic services increased, along with the state’s population, DOFS grew from one laboratory to a system of eight laboratories strategically located throughout the state. Currently, DOFS employs over 250 scientists and support staff. They perform hundreds of thousands of scientific tests annually on over 100,000 exhibits each year.

The following groups represent DOFS customers:

• Law enforcement agencies (local, state and federal)
• Judicial systems
• Medicolegal community
• Other government laboratories
• Regulatory and public service governmental agencies
• Non-law enforcement security departments (for criminal cases only)

This information is designed to make the process of submitting evidence to DOFS laboratories easier and more efficient. However, not every circumstance could possibly be covered. If further information or guidance is needed, please call Headquarters at 404-244-2500, or any of our regional laboratories for assistance.

HOURS OF OPERATION

• Laboratory hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Evidence receiving hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , Monday through Friday .

• The Crime Laboratory observes the State of Georgia official holiday schedule.

• Call the appropriate laboratory for special assistance during off-hours.