American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD)
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a professional organization founded in 1974 that serves as a forum for forensic laboratory managers to discuss management issues and improve forensic techniques and services. Established with the vision of Dr. Briggs Johnston White, a former FBI laboratory director, ASCLD aims to enhance professionalism in forensic laboratories across the U.S. and internationally. The organization is overseen by a board of directors and committees that address specific professional needs, and is open to individuals involved in scientific, educational, or legal aspects of forensic work.
ASCLD emphasizes the importance of laboratory accreditation, advocating for higher standards and accountability in forensic analysis, which has led to several states mandating the accreditation of forensic labs. The society hosts annual meetings to facilitate workshops and discussions on relevant topics, and recognizes exemplary contributions to the field through the annual Briggs White Award. Additionally, ASCLD produces various publications and has established the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) to assist laboratories in improving their practices. The organization plays a significant role in promoting advancements in forensic science and ensuring the integrity of evidence presented in legal contexts.
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American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD)
DATE: Founded in 1974
IDENTIFICATION: Organization of forensic laboratory professionals that provides a forum for the discussion of laboratory management issues and promotes improvements in forensic techniques and services.
SIGNIFICANCE: Through their interaction in the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, forensic laboratory managers advanced the standards of labs in North America and internationally and also secured public recognition for the need to require accredited laboratory analysis of forensic evidence.
Dr. Briggs Johnston White (1911-1994), a chemist who served as director of the Laboratory Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), envisioned forming the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) to encourage local, state, and federal managers of U.S. forensic laboratories and programs to share their experiences and suggestions for reinforcing the professionalism of forensic laboratories. In December, 1973, approximately thirty crime laboratory directors participated in a symposium at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, to discuss White’s ideas. In fall, 1974, the laboratory directors returned to Quantico to organize ASCLD, designating White as chairman.
Officers and a board of directors oversee ASCLD administration, with committees addressing specific needs. North American and international forensic professionals who oversee or associated scientific, educational, or legal work qualify for ASCLD membership categories. The ASCLD code of outlines members’ accountability to their profession and the public, and the organization’s “Guidelines for Forensic Laboratory Management Practices” lists lab managers’ duties, including the evaluation of employees and procedures.
ASCLD hosts meetings every year at which members and other forensic professionals can participate in workshops and discussions on topics relevant to the management of crime laboratories, such as personnel and accreditation. Also addressed are scientific and technological advances in forensic tests and techniques used to evaluate in laboratories. Since 1994, ASCLD has presented the Briggs White Award annually to recognize notable forensic science laboratory leaders.
The association also distributes several publications, including ASCLD News, Crime Laboratory Digest, and Crime Lab Minute, which is posted on the ASCLD Web site. ASCLD guides outline forensic laboratory management practices for individual topics such as arson, and the association’s laboratory accreditation manuals specify current standards. ASCLD established the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) to improve laboratories by aiding crime laboratory directors and personnel to gain proficiency in forensics work.
In 1981, the association’s Committee on Laboratory Evaluation and Standards became the ASCLD Committee on Laboratory Accreditation and began evaluating US state laboratories. By 1993, the autonomous American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) was focused on examining North American and foreign laboratories because of complaints concerning inferior forensic work. The FBI Laboratory Division received accreditation from ASCLD/LAB in September, 1998. Approximately 350 laboratories, including other US federal forensic laboratories, had secured accreditation by late 2006. Several states have passed legislation making the accreditation of government forensic laboratories a requirement for representatives of those labs to present evidence in courts.
As members of the Coalition of Forensic Science Organizations, ASCLD and ASCLD/LAB supported the National Forensic Science Improvement Act, which was enacted in December, 2000. This federal law provides for the distribution of federal funds to state and local crime laboratories.
Bibliography
Dao, James. “Lab’s Errors in ’82 Killing Force Review of Virginia DNA Cases.” The New York Times, May 7, 2005, p. A1.
Lueck, Thomas J. “Sloppy Police Lab Work Leads to Retesting of Drug Evidence.” The New York Times, December 4, 2007, p. B1.
"Our History." The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, 2024, www.ascld.org/our-history/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
St. Clair, Jami J. Crime Laboratory Management. San Diego, Calif.: Academic Press, 2002.