Crime Scene Investigation

Fact VS Fiction
By Niki Tziraki

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science literally means science associated with the legal system . It is the use of scientific methods such as fingerprint analysis and ballistics in order to discover information about a case. Forensics have been made popular by TV shows such as CSI, which show people working in labs at rapid speeds using technology not yet invented. What differences are there between real life and TV in the field of Forensics?

Usable Evidence at a Crime Scene

Real life: On CSI:

Only 5% to 10% of all US cases have evidence that can be used. Collecting evidence can take several hours, as the CSI officers need to seal the crime scene, mark the evidence on a grid and carefully photograph it.

100% of all cases have usable evidence. The CSI officers spent minimum time collecting evidence and concrete evidence is usually noticed accidentally by one of the main characters.

Analysis of DNA Samples

Real life: On CSI:

Processing DNA samples can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the quality of the samples. Toxicological testing is a delicate process that requires a lot of time and effort. The results can take days to become available.

All blood and print analysis results are available at approximately 33 seconds. Toxicological testing takes less than 5 minutes.

Scientists required to process a DNA sample

Real life: On CSI:

A DNA sample can pass through anywhere from two to ten people. Tests might need to be performed multiple times in order to be verified.

Valid DNA analysis only requires one person.

Conclusiveness of Forensic tests

Real life: On CSI:

Only 30% of all US cases DNA-relate evidence that has ties to another case.

100% of all cases have conclusive evidence that can be used to track down a criminal.

CO.D.I.S.
(Combined DNA Index System)
Real life: On CSI:

The U.S. CO.D.I.S. contains 3.3 million DNA samples from convicted offenders (as of 2006).

The Combined DNA Index System has DNA samples from the entire U.S. population (312 million people).

CS Investigators
Real life: On CSI:

According to Police Sergeant Stephen Miller, in Miami, 29 well-trained CSI investigators are a cohesive unit .

Officers discuss cases, cooperate and can be seen socializing as well. CSI is close to reality in this case.

CSI Personnel Duties

Real life: On CSI:

Do not CSI personnel do not interview suspects or make arrests. They investigate the crime scene, gather evidence and experts in toxicology, ballistics, medical examination and other disciplines perform tests to analyze the evidence.

Forensic officers can often be seen taking part in raids and other parts of the investigation that have nothing to do with the crime scene. They can usually be seen driving Hummers.

Eyes open, mouth shut, hands in pockets.

Real life: On CSI:

Crime scene investigators follow specific instructions when examining a scene: Eyes

open, mouth shut, hands in pockets. . They do so in order to do their job in the best way possible.

The investigators loosely examine the place where the body was found and they interact with witnesses and they touch things, usually without latex gloves on.

Fact VS. Fiction

A Crime Scene Officer s job is hard and demanding but its character often altered in television shows. Through the use of impossibly advanced technology analysis is made to look easier than it really is, while a CSI s duties are complicated by irrelevant participations in raids and questioning. Because of such events, CSI-related shows do not portray the true image of Forensic science.

Bibliography
Innes, Brian. Crime and Detection: Forensic Science. Broomall, Mason Crest Publishers, 2005 Bowers, Vivien. Crime Science. Toronto, Greey de Pencier Book Inc., 1997 The CSI Effect ForensicScience.net. 2010 http://www.forensicscience.net/csi-effect-infographic Warrington, Dick. Back to Basics ForensicMagazine August 5, 2011. http://www.forensicmag.com/article/back-basics