Police crime procedurals are among the most popular genres on TV. Audiences around the world love a good whodunnit for a touch of gritty drama, good-vs-bad adventure and guess-along puzzle-solving. But how much do they reflect reality? Often, argues Carol Rogers, who is the lead scientist for sexual offences at the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services, they shape public perception towards police forensics and courtroom expectations – and not in a helpful way.
Take Dexter Morgan’s role as a blood-pattern expert. One technique he uses, known as stringing, helps determine the angle and point of impact by mapping out the trajectory of blood. The portrayal is surprisingly accurate, at least to a point, but it’s not something that’s commonly used in everyday investigations, says Rogers, mostly thanks to the unnecessary time it takes.
More concerning, however, is the total disregard for personal protection equipment. So often in shows such as Broadchurch, for example, characters stroll through crime scenes chock-full of officers, without so much as a pair of gloves. In reality, strict protocols are in place to avoid contamination.
Despite taking some creative licence, TV crime dramas give the public an excellent glimpse into forensic science, and Rogers is here to guide you through some of TV’s biggest thrillers, separating fact from fiction. .
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