According to the most recent data, which discipline is found in more than 80% of publicly funded crime laboratories?

The discipline of controlled substances is indeed found in more than 80% of publicly funded crime laboratories, which reflects the high demand for analyzing illegal drugs in criminal investigations. The prevalence of controlled substances in forensic laboratories is largely due to the significant role that drug-related crimes play in modern law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies frequently encounter cases involving drug possession, trafficking, and distribution, making the analysis of substances a critical component of criminal investigations.

Publicly funded crime labs prioritize their resources to meet the needs of the criminal justice system, and drug analysis is a fundamental area of focus given its implications for public safety and law enforcement effectiveness. Consequently, laboratories are equipped with the necessary technology and trained personnel to conduct thorough examinations of controlled substances, which can often be pivotal in litigation and case resolutions.

Other disciplines, while important, do not feature as prominently across the majority of crime laboratories. Forensic biology, toxicology, and trace evidence play significant roles but do not reach the same level of prevalence in this context when compared to controlled substances. This highlights the focus and urgency placed on drug-related evidence in forensic science today.