Which discipline has the highest number of backlogged cases?

The discipline of controlled substances often has the highest number of backlogged cases due to a combination of factors, including the sheer volume of cases processed and the complexity of the analyses involved. Controlled substances frequently require rigorous testing to identify and quantify various drugs, often involving sophisticated methodologies that can take time to complete. Additionally, as law enforcement agencies continue to encounter new synthetic drugs and variations of controlled substances, the workload increases correspondingly, further contributing to backlogs.

The burden on labs can be exacerbated by staffing shortages, budget constraints, and the high demand for timely results in legal situations. Earlier experiences with processing these cases might have led to a backlog that continues to build over time, in contrast to other disciplines which may have more automated processes or less fluctuation in demand. Understanding this context highlights why controlled substances are particularly prone to having the highest number of backlogged cases compared to forensic biology, toxicology, or latents, which may not face the same level of workload stresses or complexities in testing.