CSI: Real Life

The popularity of shows like the CSI franchise leads to increased public interest--and increased misconceptions.

For forensic anthropologist Kristen Hartnett, using her skills is a rewarding experience. "I am happy that I can use what I have learned in anthropology to help bring remains home to a family so that they can get closure, or figure out exactly what happened to a person so that a criminal can be brought to justice," she said. "It gives me a huge sense of accomplishment." Dr Marie Herrmann, a Medical Examiner, feels the same way: "The favorite part is when I can find answers." Popular television shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation are exposing viewers to careers such as these that they might choose for their own futures. In the end, however, the "CSI effect" is not entirely positive.

According to Lt Jim Pierson, director of the MSP Grand Rapids forensic lab, "[t]he portrayals are based on fact, but some of the things are unrealistic, as far as what the public can truly expect from forensic science." One of the things that potential jurors expect is a lot of forensic evidence. "Jurors now demand expensive and often unnecessary DNA tests, handwriting analyses, gun shot residue testing, and other procedures that are not pertinent to the case," Jeffrey Heinrick stated in the fall 2006 edition of the Triple Helix, an Arizona State University undergraduate journal. "Many juries do not understand that this type of analysis takes time, money, and patience."

Often times, such evidence is just not present at a crime scene, and in other cases, it isn't worth the time and money to search for it. Wexford County Prosecutor Mark Smathers believes that the jurors understand this. "They’re smart enough to know you don’t spend $10,000 for a $200 larceny," he said. Even when evidence is present, it is rarely as perfect as what viewers see on CSI. Fingerprints are not usually pristine, DNA testing can take months, and the average crime lab simply does not have the technology that exists on a television show. Patrick Camden, spokesman for the Chicago Police Department, summed it up by saying: "TV is entertainment, not reality."

The original articles can be read at Medill Reports, Cadillac News, Daytona Beach News-Journal Online and Marlborough Enterprise.

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