With an estimated 500 practicing forensic pathologists in the U.S., or “half” the actual number needed, (Emile LeBeau Lucchesi, Shortage of Forensic Pathologists Coupled with COVID-19, and Major Delays in Cases, ABA Journal, February 1, 2022). The shortage along with a remarkable increase in drug intoxication, homicide, and motor vehicle deaths, is a major issue for most if not all states. This is not just a major problem for investigation and prosecution interests, but even more so for families of those victims.
This is an interesting report, as submitted to NIJ, Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/304293.pdf