To Be or Not to Be a Crime Scene Investigator

Most people think I am a true crime junky -- or that I savor all the crime dramas. Not true! I don't hate crime drama, but I prefer the drama's with a touch of humor like "Columbo & The Rockford Files." I still learned from them, knowing they were supposed to be exactly what they were -- entertainment. But the terms used were realistic. I think the current crime drama's are great and wildly successful, but folks need to take them as what they are -- entertainment -- and that involves creative license.

In school lectures I see a lot of young minds drawn to the science of crime scene investigation based on what they see on TV. The next generation has to decide if they want to be an actor, advocate, writer or investigator. In the real world the good guys don't always win, and most of the resources you see on TV either don't exist or are not available to all law enforcement agencies.

Most of the crime dramas have been paying closer attention to details to be more accurate. In time I have heard from a few producers with various questions and I try to help them find answers. I've met Dick Wolf in person on one of the film sets in Queens. I was very impressed by the attention to detail that I had not even considered. It certainly gave me a new appreciation for the "Law & Order" series and other similar productions. They go to great lengths to balance making it realistic and still entertaining. I hope they continue to move in that direction. (hint, hint) Keep in mind that we want to impart the most positive influence on the folks who will solve the crimes of the future, while people like me work on the ones from the past.

On thing is for sure, these shows have certainly drawn much needed attention to the cause of missing, murdered and unidentified. Be smart, use your head, separate fact from fiction and simply enjoy the shows meant to entertain.

If you have any information on the topics I post, then please leave me a comment, email me at SleuthTheTruth@gmail.com or call my Tip Line at 206-279-9993.