Forensic science laboratories are under siege. Ever-increasing volumes of evidence are slowing the pace of investigations and criminal trials. The Census of Publicly Funded Crime Laboratories, funded by the Department of Justice and established in 2002, has systematically measured the backlog problem only to find that backlogs have increased despite federal funding aimed at fixing the problem. Many laboratories have been unable to secure the resources needed to resolve the problem due to the fiscal challenges faced by most U.S. government agencies. But is it just about resources? Are laboratories being asked to do too much? How much input should stakeholders have on testing provided by laboratories? This policy forum will explore the key factors that contribute to backlogs at our nation’s crime laboratories, as well as the impact they have on the efficiency of our criminal justice system.