My name is Patricia Manzolillo, and I’m director of the Postal Inspection Service’s forensic laboratory services. I oversee the National Forensic Laboratory — a 50,000-square-foot facility in Dulles, VA — as well as digital evidence labs across the country.
I work to ensure our analysts have the materials, equipment and training they need to do their jobs. I want them to not just be proud forensic scientists, but forensic scientists who are proud to be helping the Postal Service.
What I like the most about my job is that we get to use science and technology to help solve crimes involving the mail, such as scams and illegal drugs.
Our job used to focus heavily on analyzing handwriting and fingerprints to help postal inspectors identify suspects. We are now tasked with using forensic science to analyze multiple types of evidence related to a case to help develop suspects.
I joined the Inspection Service 23 years ago as a laboratory intern. I later became a forensic scientist, then moved into my current role about 10 years ago. I come from a postal family. My dad worked for USPS and told me about the internship opportunity. I knew I wanted to work for a federal agency, so it seemed like the perfect fit.
My husband and I have been married for 10 years, and we have three rescue dogs we love very much. I enjoy cooking and usually prepare enough food on the weekends to last us for the entire week. I also love baking, and am known for the hundreds of cookies I bring to work every Christmas holiday.
I’m very proud to be the lab director because of the individuals I work with. They are dedicated to the mission and to supporting USPS with our forensic skills.
“On the Job,” a series on individual employees and their contributions to the Postal Service, appears regularly in Link.