The instructions include, “Write an academic article based on research that is suitable for publication in a scholarly journal.” I would like to discuss the state of crime laboratories in the United States and what it means for the future. As it is a long paper, there are many areas that can be discussed that could include: History of crime laboratories, Variations at local/state/federal laboratories, Issues relating to budget, personnel, equipment, Backlog issues, Reliability issues, Mandatory accreditation issues and/or lack there of, Issues with crime laboratories (https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/228091.pdf), Conflicts with privately funded laboratories, How were the issues discovered?, How has this affected the legal system?, Prospective plans thus far and results?, Case Studies, Scientific community perception/opinion, Public opinions/perception, What does the future hold? It must contain a thesis statement.