Is being a forensic pathologist really like the television shows CSI or Crossing Jordan?
These popular TV series certainly glamorize all aspects of forensics. (Come to think of it, the TV series even glamorize the crimes the forensic personnel are setting out to solve). Our job is really much more mundane, smelly and adversarial than what’s portrayed on TV. Further, technical inaccuracies abound in the TV shows, particularly with regard to the time frame in which tests are ran. The TV shows all also take liberties with character development, where single characters assume the roles of multiple police detectives, crime scene analysts, and pathologists. More disturbing is the mindset portrayed on Crossing Jordan, in which the pathologist sets out to “prove” somebody’s innocence or guilt…our role is neutral (the latter philosophy is more accurately presented on the original CSI). Having said that though, the interest generated from those shows have been terrific for the forensic community. We have seen a deluge of bright young folks interested in our field who probably would
Related Questions
- How does the real-life job of a forensic scientist compare to today’s very popular television shows that depict forensic scientists at work?
- I’ve seen all the CSI television shows. Are the exhibit scenes and video footage unique to the demonstration?
- Is the FDL MEO anything like the shows on television (CSI, Crossing Jordan, etc.)?
