Last month CBS 19 brought you the series on forensics, titled CSI: Charlottesville, detailing the advancements of the Charlottesville police efforts in DNA research and forensic study.
Tuesday, Gov. Mark Warner announced that he will propose increased funding for a new DNA testing unit, three new scientists, and creation of a fusion center, which will share anti-terrorism information.
Warner will be proposing a $1.1 million increase at Friday’s budget presentation.
Citing increased awareness and expectations, the director of the state's Division of Forensic Science stated that police are increasingly collecting and submitting evidence samples for testing. Requests for tools and equipment have increased 70 percent over the past five years.
The city of Charlottesville has been consistently ranked in the top five in the country for DNA database hits.
