DOVER, Del. (WBOC/AP) - After a long search, Delaware officials have announced a new director of the state's Division of Forensic Science.
Officials announced the hiring of Michael Wolf Monday, saying he has extensive experience managing turnarounds in state forensic drug laboratories. Wolf has worked the past two years in Massachusetts, assisting in the inquiry of a state drug lab that was closed following reports of serious malfeasance, flawed practices, testing and reporting problems, and evidence tampering.
Similar problems were found at the Delaware medical examiner's office before it was overhauled and renamed last year amid a criminal investigation.
Wolf, who will manage the overall operation of the
Division of Forensic Science(DFS), is filling a new position created during the legislative reorganization of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
"Director Wolf brings the administrative and leadership skills needed to work through the many challenges facing this new division. His experience working with three other states to manage forensic science labs and solve problems similar to those discovered in our state last year will help the division fulfill its critical mission supporting our criminal justice community," Gov. Jack Markell said.
Officials say in Connecticut, Wolf served on the Governor's Forensic Laboratory Working Group analyzing audit reports, developing remedial strategies and making recommendations to resolve 100 non-compliance findings that resulted in the revocation of the laboratory's accreditation. In North Carolina while serving as Special Inquiry, he reviewed over 6,000 questionable cases, uncovered documentation discrepancies and vulnerabilities and offered recommendations that enhanced reporting accuracy.
"Mike's solid background in management coupled with his wide-ranging knowledge of forensic science labs is exactly what Delaware needs at this time. He will most certainly provide the leadership necessary to support the new structure of the DFS organization as well as to ensure the success of all disciplines within the Division," Sec. Schiliro said.
Wolf has a master's degree in forensic science from George Washington University and a bachelor's degree from Villanova University. He is a retired FBI agent.
"I am looking forward to working collaboratively with laboratory personnel and department management in bringing the division forward as a state of the art forensic operation," Director Wolf said.
