In the last decade, networks have introduced a wide variety of shows that gave audiences a preview of crime scene forensics and what goes on behind an investigation. This genre, specifically criminal dramas and murder mysteries, was popularized by the very first Crime Scene Investigation show or CSI which spawned several spin-offs in different cities in the US. Later on, this show will be followed by NCIS, Criminal Minds, Psyche, Bones, and much more. But when comparing these to real crime scenes, just how accurate are these shows?
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First off, the speed with which these shows analyse forensic evidence such as DNA samples is remarkable. Of course if the shows portrayed the reality of weeks’ worth of processing evidence, it wouldn’t be as thrilling or as compelling.
These shows often feature state-of-the-art equipment with a machine for every test necessary and every gun there is for ballistics testing. While the same can be said about the labs of major divisions such as the FBI or the CIA, expecting local law enforcement to have these is certainly unrealistic.
Linking evidence to suspects isn’t as easy as it’s shown in these series. Not only are most results inconclusive, it takes a lot of time to test for these as well. And it just so happens that the writers make convenient plot twists like matching rare algae from the victim to the perp’s boat, or an indentation of a scar left in a bloody print. Those are just too unrealistic.
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My name is Adam Michael Smith, a lawyer based in New York City. One of my favorite pastimes is watching cop shows on TV. Read more about my hobbies by visiting this website.
