AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
CRIME LABORATORY DIRECTORS, INC.
65 Glen Road, Suite 123,Garner, NC 27529
DOJ Forensic LaboratoryNeeds-Technology Working Group
NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2018
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) applauds the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for the announcement of the Forensic Laboratory Needs -Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG). We are thankful that the DOJ announced thisnew initiative through Dr. Howard Spivak during the 45thannual ASCLD meeting in Atlanta on May 24th. ASCLD has eagerlyengagedwith DOJ on a number of forensic science issues,and the participation of Dr. Spivak was appreciated. ASCLD has long advocated in Congress and at DOJ for a working group of state and local forensic laboratory directors to advise DOJ on technical, research, and operational needs.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) at RTI International (Research Triangle Institute)areimportant partners with ASCLD in advancing forensic science. “ASCLD members represent state and local labs inNIJ listening sessions regarding federal grant spending and priorities, operational needs assessments, evaluation offorensic science research needs,and technology transferto forensic science laboratories. The FLN-TWG is a phenomenal new opportunity for ASCLDmembersto engage DOJ on a number of important topics,” said ASCLD President Matthew Gamette.
ASCLD appreciates the inclusion of at least 13laboratory directors who are ASCLD members on the FLN-TWG. These scientists/practitioners lead some of the most prestigious forensic science laboratories in the United States.The heavy participation of ASCLD members in the anticipated regularly scheduledFLN-TWG meetings will improve the federal government’s knowledge and understanding of forensic technology,as well as the operational needs of federal, state, local, and tribal forensic science practitioners and laboratories.The FLN-TWG will ensure robust and routine communication between state and local forensic practitioners and NIJ.
As outlined in our National Outreach Priorities and Agenda (NOPA), ASCLD encourages DOJ to continue steps toward the development of a central, independent body within DOJ that coordinates DOJ efforts related to forensic science with a mission that is solely forensic science focused.
ASCLD anticipates increasing engagementwith federal partners to provide forensic science service providers with the research, training, technology, support, and other operational needs necessary to advance the scientific integrity of forensic science in the United States. ASCLD is a nonprofit professional society of over 600 members representing local, state, federal, private, and international crime laboratory directors, managers, and supervisors;it is dedicated to provideexcellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation. Members consist ofbiologists, chemists, document examiners, firearms analysts, pattern evidence examiners, physicists, toxicologists, educators, researchers, instructors,and law enforcement officers with a wide range of experience and knowledge, whose major function is the management of a crime laboratory. The purpose of theorganization is to foster professional interests; assist the development of laboratory management principles and techniques; acquire, preserve and disseminate forensic based information; maintain and improve communications among crime laboratory directors; and to promote, encourage and maintain the highest standards of practice in the field.
For more information about ASCLD, please visit www.ascld.org
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