ASCLD Recognizes Jody Wolf, Crime Laboratory Administrator of the Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix, AZ as recipient of the 2023 Briggs J. White Award for Excellence through Leadership in Forensic Science Management
GARNER, NC: The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) announced the 2023 Briggs J. White Award Recipient to Jody Wolf, Crime Laboratory Administrator of the Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix, AZ.
Mrs. Wolf was recently appointed Chief of Staff of the Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix, AZ after having served as the Crime Laboratory Administrator since 2018. Prior to 2018, Mrs. Wolf led the Phoenix Police Department Laboratory Services Bureau as the Assistant Crime Lab Administrator for over a decade and prior to that as a supervisor, a member of the quality assurance team, and as a scientist in biology and controlled substances. She served on the ASCLD Board of Directors from 2013 -2017 and as ASCLD President in 2015 during the height of the National Forensic Science Commission. It was under her able leadership that ASCLD published many position statements about the output of the Commission. During her tenure on the ASCLD Board of Directors, Mrs. Wolf also served as the President of the International Forensic Strategic Alliance (IFSA), where she was instrumental in the development of a series of Minimum Required Documents (MRD) in disciplines such as DNA and Seized Drugs. These documents are similar to a standard, but do not follow the standards development process. They are free to anyone in any nation and are a terrific resource to forensic science stakeholders. In 2017, Mrs. Wolf was appointed by the ASCLD Board of Directors on the United States Technical Advisory Group (US TAG) to the International Organization for Standardization / Technical Committee 272 – Forensic Science (US TAG to ISO/TC 272) in 2017 and serves as the Secretariat or administrator for the US TAG on behalf of ASCLD.
Jody was invited to participate in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation in 2020. Jody is one of the founders of the world renowned ASCLD Leadership Academy and since its inception in 2013 and joined as an instructor in 2018. She has trained hundreds of leaders and managers in forensic science. She is also involved in the development of the Certified Forensic Manager certification in the National Forensic Science Academy (NFSA) and serves as its President.
In recognition of excellence through leadership in forensic science management. Mrs. Wolf demonstrated the highest level of creativity, integrity, and dedication to duty resulting in significant advances in crime laboratory management.
About the Briggs J. White Award: When Dr. Briggs White became the Director of the FBI Laboratory, he recognized the need for closer cooperation with state and local crime laboratories, understanding the symbiotic value that could ensue. In 1973, he persuaded FBI Director Clarence Kelly, to invite thirty laboratory directors to a meeting at the FBI Academy in Quantico VA .
In the fall of 1974 after a great deal of debate, ASCLD was born with Dr. Briggs White as its first Chairman. ASCLD played a leading role in the improvement of forensic laboratories throughout the world, including raising the profile of forensic science in the legislative assemblies of the United States. Dr. White’s pivotal role was recognized with the establishment of the Briggs White Award for Excellence through Leadership in Forensic Science Management. The award was established at the direction of past President Bill Hartner to recognize an ASCLD member, past or present, who demonstrated managerial excellence in forensic science.
About ASCLD: ASCLD is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation. Founded in 1974, the purpose of the organization 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.