Of the four major federal crime laboratories, the FBI's laboratory is the only one using special agents as laboratory examiners. This is a costly practice, because special agents have higher grade levels than civilian personnel and receive special retirement benefits. The FBI believes that special agent examiners bring an extra dimension to the analysis of physical evidence. It claims that agent/examiners provide superior examination service, make better court witnesses, and perform better field support functions. These views are not fully shared by the heads of other federal laboratories, nor are they supported by the users of the laboratories, the majority of laboratory examiners, and federal prosecutors. The Attorney General should direct the FBI to phase out its special agent examiners in favor of a civilian work force. While significant cost savings are likely, firm estimates of the savings depend on decisions about staffing and compensation. The department of justice took strong exception to this report's recommendation. Justice's response is appended.