Do you ever think that crime shows

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In summary: The documentary argues that if this had been a show it would have been solved in the first episode.In summary, these shows are not a public service, they are all about generating viewer ratings. No one wants to watch a show where a detective spends 30 minutes walking around and doing paper work only to not have a clue as to what happened.
  • #1
1MileCrash
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Are shown to have these badass, super intellogent detectives that can solve any crime, and that no one ever gets away with anything, ever, as a sort of crime deterrent in the real world?
 
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  • #2
1MileCrash said:
Are shown to have these badass, super intellogent detectives that can solve any crime, and that no one ever gets away with anything, ever, as a sort of crime deterrent in the real world?

No, these shows are not a public service, they are all about $$$. No one wants to watch a show where a detective spends 30 minutes walking around and doing paper work only to not have a clue as to what happened.
 
  • #3
It's a show. Shouldn't that be a sufficient explanation?
 
  • #4
1MileCrash said:
Are shown to have these badass, super intellogent detectives that can solve any crime, and that no one ever gets away with anything, ever, as a sort of crime deterrent in the real world?
No. Criminals know that they can get away with a lot and that the cops don't have the resources to pursue or resolve every crime.

For example, when you see a cop show in which the crime lab is processing tons of DNA evidence, you don't get a realistic view of the time involved, or the cost of the testing. Police departments don't have bottomless pockets to pay for that stuff. When the public is alert and watching (such as the Long Island serial killer case) politicians will loosen the purse-strings, but in low-profile cases the police have limited resources.
 
  • #5
1MileCrash said:
Are shown to have these badass, super intellogent detectives that can solve any crime, and that no one ever gets away with anything, ever, as a sort of crime deterrent in the real world?

Yes. I think it's a deliberate meme put out there intended to discourage people from thinking they could get away with it.

Who might be on top of the TV industry pressuring them to do this? It's probably a policy they adopted due to the public uproar that arises whenever something that seems to glorify criminality is aired. In other words, it's deliberately and consistently done in order to avoid being accused of encouraging criminality.
 
  • #6
Studies of the death penalty have shown it is at best a very modest deterrent with some 80% of all homicides estimated to be crimes of passion committed by friends and relatives in the heat of the moment. Even so half of all homicides are never solved.

Such shows remind me of religious groups that rant and rave about things like abortion and AIDS when the highest incidents of such things is in the Bible Belt. Sherlock Holmes busting one complex white collar crime after another is the stuff of comic books when in reality white collar is seldom punished or merely receives a slap on the wrist. Denial isn't a river in Egypt and it does not promote an effective deterrent.
 
  • #7
There was a documentary in the UK recently that showed a number of recent cases where the criminals had copied techniques off of CSI and the like to try and get away with it. They bought all the right chemicals and kit and cleaned everything to remove their DNA, choose appropriate alibis and even went some of the way to cut up a body in sterile bags.

They were eventually caught because A) they had the right idea but didn't follow it through perfectly, some DNA was found and B) there was evidence of what they bought.
 

FAQ: Do you ever think that crime shows

Do you ever think that crime shows accurately depict real-life investigations?

As a scientist, I cannot speak for all crime shows, but I can say that many of them take creative liberties for the sake of entertainment. While they may follow basic investigative procedures, they often exaggerate or oversimplify certain aspects of the process for dramatic effect.

Can watching crime shows increase a person's understanding of forensic science?

Watching crime shows may spark an interest in forensic science and provide a general understanding of the field, but it is not a substitute for proper education and training. Many crime shows also present forensic science in a sensationalized or inaccurate manner, so it is important to seek out reliable sources for information.

Are the technologies and techniques shown on crime shows real and accurate?

Some technologies and techniques shown on crime shows are real and used in forensic investigations, but they are often portrayed in a simplified or exaggerated manner. It is important to remember that these shows are for entertainment purposes and should not be taken as completely accurate depictions of real-life investigations.

Do crime shows have an impact on real-life crime and the justice system?

There is no definitive answer to this question, but some studies have shown that crime shows may influence public perception of crime and the justice system. This can have potential implications on jury decision-making and the expectations of forensic evidence in real-life cases.

Can watching crime shows desensitize viewers to violence and crime?

There is no clear consensus on whether or not this is true. Some argue that exposure to violence on TV can lead to desensitization, while others argue that it can actually increase empathy and understanding. It is important for individuals to be mindful of their own reactions and to seek out a balance in their media consumption.

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