The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD, pronounced 'azz-clad') is a nonprofit society dedicated to 'providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation'.
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History
The origins of ASCLD lie in a meeting of crime laboratory directors organised in 1973 by Clarence Kelly and Briggs White, of the FBI. At this meeting, a steering committee was formed, which brought ASCLD into being in 1974. The first meeting was held in Quantico.
Work
The main way in which ASCLD seeks to achieve its goals is through an annual members' conference, in which management training is given and networking is encouraged. The website is also updated with news and information.
Membership
Membership is multinational, and is open to crime lab directors, managers or supervisors. Three tiers of membership exist - regular membership for those currently fulfilling a crime laboratory management role; retired membership for those who previously held such a role; Academic Affiliate Membership for forensic science educators.