General Info

The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) remains one of the nation's oldest crime laboratory systems - formed by an Act of the State Legislature in 1935. The establishment of the new agency was a rare and significant event during the era of the Great Depression, even though the original annual appropriation was only $85,000.

The architects of the Alabama Legislature realized a need for an Agency founded on integrity and scientific competence, where the functions and services of the agency remained independent and away from political influences. With great foresight, the founding fathers created ADFS as an independent State agency, where it remains today as an example for the remainder of the forensic science community.

The Headquarters facility in Auburn, AL is dedicated to Dr. Carl J. Rehling, a former Director and one of the original founders of the Agency.

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