Forensics Expert Examines 20 Crime Scene Investigations from Film & TV | Technique Critique | WIRED

WIRED
21 Jun 201820:00
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script critiques the portrayal of forensic science in TV and movies, highlighting unrealistic practices such as improper handling of evidence, incorrect blood spatter analysis, and the use of outdated techniques. It emphasizes the importance of accurate representation in inspiring interest in the field while cautioning against the misconceptions created by entertainment media.

Takeaways
  • 🎬 Entertainment vs. Reality: The script emphasizes that TV and movies often prioritize entertainment over realistic portrayals of forensic science.
  • 🔍 Importance of Gun Safety: It critiques the unrealistic handling of loaded weapons at crime scenes, highlighting the importance of gun safety protocols.
  • 📐 Directionality in Crime Scene Analysis: The script explains the significance of understanding the direction of force in a crime scene, such as through glass fracturing.
  • 🚫 Deviation from Realistic Techniques: It points out deviations from real forensic practices, such as improper handling of bullet trajectory analysis and evidence collection.
  • 🧤 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Oversight: The lack of proper PPE in TV shows is highlighted, noting the necessity of gloves, suits, and masks in real forensic work.
  • 🔬 Inaccurate Evidence Handling: The script criticizes the improper handling of DNA evidence, such as wiping a camera on a brow and holding evidence while talking.
  • 🚫 Inappropriate Assumptions: It warns against making assumptions during investigations, as seen in various TV shows, which can lead to incorrect conclusions.
  • 🔍 Detailed Evidence Collection: The importance of thorough and careful evidence collection is stressed, with examples of how not to handle fingerprints and other evidence.
  • 🔬 Unrealistic Forensic Techniques: The script calls out unrealistic forensic techniques portrayed in media, such as reading fingerprints off a bullet or identifying a vehicle from a tire impression alone.
  • 🚫 Lack of Objectivity: It criticizes the loss of objectivity in crime scene analysis, such as jumping to conclusions about the number of killers or the nature of the crime.
  • 🌐 Potential of Emerging Technologies: The script acknowledges the potential of emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality in future forensic science applications.
Q & A

  • What is Matthew Steiner's profession and experience level?

    -Matthew Steiner is a senior crime scene analyst and a veteran investigator with over 21 years of experience.

  • Why is it unrealistic for a crime scene investigator to handle a loaded weapon at a crime scene?

    -Handling a loaded weapon at a crime scene is unsafe and could potentially contaminate the scene or cause harm. It is standard procedure to ensure weapons are secured and not waved around.

  • What is the importance of directionality in crime scene analysis?

    -Directionality is crucial as it helps determine the origin of the incident, such as the trajectory of a bullet, which can indicate whether a shot came from inside or outside a location.

  • Why is it incorrect to pick at a bullet hole without proper precautions?

    -Picking at a bullet hole can destroy valuable evidence such as rifling marks on the bullet or the bolt, which are essential for ballistic analysis and comparison to a suspect's gun.

  • What is the significance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) at a crime scene?

    -Wearing PPE is essential to prevent contamination of the crime scene with the investigator's own DNA or other substances, and to protect the investigator from potential hazards present at the scene.

  • Why is it a mistake to wipe one's brow while handling evidence?

    -Wiping one's brow while handling evidence can transfer the investigator's DNA or other contaminants onto the evidence, compromising its integrity.

  • What is the proper procedure for collecting DNA evidence?

    -The proper procedure includes wearing appropriate PPE such as a tie-back suit, mask, goggles, and multiple layers of gloves to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of the DNA evidence.

  • Why is it incorrect to assume the source of a tire impression without further analysis?

    -Assuming the source of a tire impression without analysis can lead to incorrect conclusions. It is necessary to cast the impression and use a database to match it to specific vehicle models.

  • What is the issue with using a pen to collect evidence?

    -Using a pen to collect evidence is problematic because the pen itself may carry contaminants from previous handling, which can compromise the evidence.

  • Why is it important to document evidence in situ?

    -Documenting evidence in situ (in its original position) is important for maintaining the integrity of the crime scene and for accurately reconstructing the events that occurred.

  • What are some misconceptions about forensic science perpetuated by TV and movies according to the script?

    -Misconceptions include the use of unsafe practices like handling loaded weapons at a crime scene, the portrayal of unrealistic evidence collection methods, and the assumption of causes and motives without proper analysis.

Outlines
00:00
🔍 Crime Scene Analysis Critique

In this paragraph, Matthew Steiner, a senior crime scene analyst with over 21 years of experience, critiques the portrayal of forensic science in TV and movies. He points out unrealistic elements such as improper handling of weapons and evidence, lack of personal protective equipment, and incorrect procedures for collecting DNA evidence. Steiner emphasizes the importance of understanding the entertainment goal of these portrayals while also highlighting the actual methods used in real-life forensic investigations.

05:01
🕵️‍♂️ The Reality of Crime Scene Investigation

This paragraph delves into the real-life practices of crime scene investigation, contrasting them with common TV and movie inaccuracies. It discusses the importance of respecting the deceased, the use of humor as a coping mechanism, and the focus on 'who', 'what', 'where', and 'how' rather than 'why'. The paragraph also addresses specific technical inaccuracies, such as the mishandling of fingerprint evidence and the overuse of certain forensic techniques for dramatic effect.

10:02
🧬 The Myths of Forensic Evidence Collection

The third paragraph continues the critique of forensic procedures in media, highlighting further inaccuracies in the collection and analysis of evidence. It discusses the improper use of tools for evidence collection, the destruction of potential DNA evidence, and the unrealistic portrayal of blood stain pattern analysis. The paragraph also touches on the use of technology in modern forensics, such as virtual reality and three-dimensional laser scanners, and the impact of media portrayal on public perception.

15:02
🎭 The Impact of Media on Forensic Science Perception

The final paragraph concludes the discussion by reflecting on the influence of media on the public's understanding of forensic science. It acknowledges the positive aspects, such as increased interest in the field, but also criticizes the spread of misinformation about forensic techniques and timelines. The paragraph calls for a balance between entertainment and education, advocating for more accurate representations of forensic science in media.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Forensic Science
Forensic science is the application of scientific principles and techniques to the investigation of crimes. It plays a central role in the video as the speaker, Matthew Steiner, critiques the portrayal of forensic science in TV and movies, emphasizing the gap between entertainment and the reality of scientific investigation. The video discusses various forensic techniques, such as blood spatter analysis and fingerprint evidence collection, to highlight inaccuracies in their depiction.
💡Crime Scene Analyst
A crime scene analyst is a professional who meticulously examines and collects evidence from a crime scene. Matthew Steiner, introduced as a senior crime scene analyst, uses his expertise to evaluate the authenticity of crime scene investigation procedures shown in various media clips. His role is crucial in educating the audience about the proper methods and the importance of preserving the integrity of a crime scene.
💡Trajectory Analysis
Trajectory analysis is the process of determining the path a projectile, such as a bullet, takes from its point of origin to its impact point. In the script, Steiner points out the unrealistic portrayal of this process, where the bullet's path and entry/exit wounds are analyzed to determine the direction of fire. The critique emphasizes the need for accurate scientific methods in real investigations.
💡Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment refers to clothing and accessories worn to protect the wearer from health or safety hazards. The video script criticizes the lack of PPE use in TV shows, such as 'NCIS', where characters fail to wear gloves or other protective garb, which is a deviation from real forensic practices where PPE is mandatory to prevent contamination of evidence.
💡Evidence Collection
Evidence collection is the systematic process of gathering and preserving physical evidence from a crime scene. The script describes several instances where evidence is mishandled, such as wiping a camera lens with a brow or picking up shell casings with a pen, which are not only unscientific but also risk contaminating the evidence.
💡Blood Spatter
Blood spatter refers to the pattern created when blood is dispersed through the air and onto surfaces. It is a critical aspect of forensic analysis, as it can reveal information about the nature of a crime. The video script uses blood spatter as an example to discuss the unrealistic portrayal of forensic analysis, where the patterns are often exaggerated or incorrectly interpreted for dramatic effect.
💡Fingerprint Analysis
Fingerprint analysis involves the examination and comparison of fingerprints to identify individuals. The script critiques the over-the-top methods shown in movies, such as using excessive powder and compressed air, which are not only ineffective but could also damage the evidence. The video emphasizes the need for careful and precise techniques in real-life fingerprint analysis.
💡Autopsy
An autopsy is a medical procedure performed after death to determine the cause of death or to investigate the reason for an injury or disease. The video script points out the unrealistic depiction of autopsies in media, where findings are made without proper examination or where the procedure itself is glossed over for the sake of storytelling.
💡Chain of Custody
The chain of custody is a chronological record documenting the handling and storage of evidence from the time it is collected to the time it is presented in court. The script mentions the importance of maintaining this record to ensure the admissibility and integrity of the evidence, which is often overlooked in TV and movie portrayals.
💡Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual and augmented reality technologies are used to create immersive experiences or overlay digital information onto the real world. The video script acknowledges the potential of VR and AR in crime scene analysis, such as using 3D laser scanners to create models that can be virtually explored. This reflects the growing intersection of technology and forensic science.
💡Objectivity
Objectivity in forensic science refers to the impartiality and unbiased approach required when analyzing evidence. The script criticizes instances where investigators make assumptions or jump to conclusions based on the evidence, which can lead to incorrect interpretations and affect the outcome of an investigation.
Highlights

Matthew Steiner critiques the portrayal of forensic science in TV and movies, emphasizing the gap between entertainment and reality.

Gun safety and crime scene preservation are often neglected in favor of dramatic effect.

Directionality in crime scenes, such as glass fracturing, is crucial for understanding the trajectory of events.

The importance of not tampering with evidence, such as bullet holes, to preserve rifling marks for lab analysis.

Personal protective equipment is frequently overlooked in TV shows, contrary to real forensic procedures.

The incorrect handling of DNA evidence, such as wiping a camera on a brow, can contaminate a crime scene.

Proper evidence collection involves multiple layers of gloves and avoiding contact with the face during examination.

The observation of vehicle wiping down and shell casing recovery methods in 'Zodiac' are analyzed for accuracy.

Tire impression analysis is criticized for lacking specificity and the importance of casting impressions in place.

The differentiation between human and animal feces in crime scene analysis is highlighted as unrealistic in some portrayals.

The disrespectful handling of bodies in crime scenes for the sake of humor is discussed.

The overemphasis on the 'why' of a crime in TV shows, rather than the 'who', 'what', 'where', and 'how'.

The unrealistic portrayal of close-range gunshot wounds and the science behind determining them.

Fingerprint evidence collection is criticized for excessive use of powder and improper technique.

The processing of a vehicle indoors is commended for its realism in contrast to other TV portrayals.

The use of humor in crime scene investigation as a coping mechanism is acknowledged.

The critique of 'How to Get Away with Murder' for its unrealistic portrayal of blood detection and luminol testing.

Ballistics and fingerprint analysis in 'The Dark Night' are deemed unrealistic, especially the preservation of fingerprints on bullets.

The portrayal of blood stain pattern analysis in 'Dexter' is criticized for its lack of scientific accuracy and reconstruction methods.

Autopsy procedures in 'Insomnia' are questioned for their lack of realism and the importance of thorough examination.

The dangers of making assumptions during an investigation, as depicted in 'True Detective', are highlighted.

The use of virtual reality in crime scene analysis, as seen in 'Minority Report', is discussed for its potential future applications.

The impact of TV shows on public perception of forensic science, both positively by attracting interest and negatively by spreading misinformation.

Transcripts

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Forensic ScienceCrime SceneMedia CritiqueInvestigation AnalysisTV InaccuraciesMovie MisconceptionsEvidence CollectionScientific MethodRealism CheckCSI Parody