The California Association of Crime Laboratory Directors grew out of its predecessor organization, the Criminalistics Management Association (CMA). It was founded in the 1960's by many of the same criminalists who founded the California Association of Criminalists.

The founders of the organization believed that the growing managerial complexity of criminalistics and forensic science required a different skill set than was used as a practicing bench-level criminalist.

The growth and sophistication of the CMA grew into the California Association of Crime Laboratory Directors. 

Regular membership is offered to all those who manage forensic laboratories or supervise forensic scientists. Others who support the objectives of the CACLD are urged to join as affiliate members. 

The current membership includes all the public and most of the private forensic science laboratories in California. Other members include crime laboratory managers from Arizona and Nevada, as well as academic members.

CACLD Mission Statement

The objectives and purposes of the Corporation are:

• To promote, encourage and maintain the highest professional and ethical standards of practice in the field of forensic science laboratory services.

• To actively promote the exchange of information at the forensic science laboratory management level.

• To promote an increase in the effective utilization of forensic science services.

• To improve management methods in forensic science laboratories.

• To promote the common professional interests of its members.

• To evaluate proposed legislation, propose legislative alternatives, and assist in preparation of regulatory methods affecting forensic science laboratories.

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