Establishment
The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) was established in 2002.
It was created by the Government of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
DFSS originated from the restructuring of the forensic science division previously under the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D).
The restructuring aimed to:
Create a dedicated body for forensic science management.
Strengthen and expand forensic capabilities nationwide.
Develop and enforce uniform standards and procedures.
Provide scientific support to various investigative and law enforcement agencies.
Functions of DFSS
The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) helps improve and manage forensic science services all over India. Here’s what it does:
1.Analyzing Crime Evidence
Examines evidence from crime scenes such as:
DNA
Fingerprints
Poisons and drugs (toxicology)
Fake or tampered documents
Cybercrime traces
Bullets and weapons (ballistics)
2.Making Rules and Standards
Creates national rules and quality standards for how forensic labs should work.
Helps make sure all labs follow the same best practices.
3.Training and Skill Building
Trains police, forensic scientists, and other professionals.
Works with top institutes like:
National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)
LNJN Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS)
4.Research and Innovation
Supports research to improve forensic tools and technology.
Encourages new ideas and scientific progress in forensics.
5.Managing Forensic Labs (CFSLs)
Oversees the working of Central Forensic Science Laboratories across the country.
Ensures labs work efficiently and maintain high quality.
6.Helping Investigating Agencies
Provides expert forensic help to:
Police
CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation)
NIA (National Investigation Agency)
NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau)
ED (Enforcement Directorate)
Courts and judges
CFSL
The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) , manages six Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs), each covering a specific region of India.
Hyderabad CFSL covers Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Puducherry.
Kolkata CFSL serves West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Chandigarh CFSL looks after Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Bhopal CFSL caters to Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
Pune CFSL covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu.
Guwahati CFSL handles northeastern states including Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura.
Questions and answers
1.When was the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) established?
Ans: DFSS was established in 2002.
2.Under which ministry does the DFSS operate?
Ans: DFSS operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
3.From which organization was DFSS separated?
Ans: DFSS was separated from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D).
4.What is the main purpose of creating DFSS?
Ans: To strengthen and coordinate forensic science services independently across India.
5.What is the primary role of DFSS?
Ans: To promote, manage, and upgrade forensic science services nationwide.
6.Name some types of evidence analyzed by DFSS.
Ans: DNA, fingerprints, toxicology, questioned documents, cyber forensics, and ballistics.
7.What role does DFSS play in policy-making?
Ans: It develops national policies and quality standards for forensic laboratories.
8.Which institutions collaborate with DFSS for training purposes?
Ans: National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and LNJN Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS).
9.How does DFSS support research?
Ans: By promoting innovations and upgrading forensic technologies.
10.What is DFSS’s role in supervising forensic labs?
Ans: It oversees the functioning of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) under its control.
11.Which agencies receive forensic support from DFSS?
Ans: Police, CBI, NIA, NCB, ED, and the judiciary.
12.How many CFSLs does DFSS supervise?
Ans: Six CFSLs.
13.Which CFSL serves Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?
Ans: The Hyderabad CFSL.
14.Which CFSL is responsible for West Bengal and Bihar?
Ans: The Kolkata CFSL.
15.Name the CFSL that covers Punjab and Haryana.
Ans: The Chandigarh CFSL.
16.Which CFSL serves Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh?
Ans: The Bhopal CFSL.
17.Which CFSL covers Maharashtra and Gujarat?
Ans: The Pune CFSL.
18.Which CFSL handles the northeastern states like Assam and Nagaland?
Ans: The Guwahati CFSL.
19.Does the Delhi CFSL come under DFSS?
Ans: No, the Delhi CFSL is operated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
20.What kind of training does DFSS provide?
Ans: Training for forensic scientists and law enforcement officials.
21.What kinds of scientific evidence does DFSS analyze?
Ans: Biological samples, documents, cybercrime data, ballistics, and toxicology samples.
22.Why was it necessary to create a separate forensic agency like DFSS?
Ans: To have a specialized institution focused solely on forensic science and its advancements.
23.Which ministry oversees the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)?
Ans: The Ministry of Home Affairs, same as DFSS.
24.What does CFSL stand for?
Ans: Central Forensic Science Laboratory.
25.Which CFSL covers the Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Ans: The Kolkata CFSL.
26.Name some northeastern states under the jurisdiction of Guwahati CFSL.
Ans: Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Tripura.
27.What type of cases does DFSS forensic analysis assist with?
Ans: Criminal investigations, drug enforcement, cybercrime, and legal proceedings.
28.Is DFSS involved in both forensic service delivery and policy formulation?
Ans: Yes, it is involved in both.
29.How does DFSS help the judiciary?
Ans: By providing scientific opinions and expert evidence analysis.
30.: What kinds of technological progress does DFSS promote?
Ans: Development of advanced forensic techniques and laboratory modernization.
