Crime Shows: Fine Tuning The Criminal Mind?
Author: Allison Merlino

There are numerous crime shows filling the prime time slots.
And you can find some version of Law and Order, CSI etc. on at
any time of day on a number of channels. The writers are
increasingly creative and have a tireless supply of inspiration
from real life events that they can put various spins on. The
actors are dedicated and the directors are creating stories that
are engaging and elicit emotional responses.

I know that personally they are my favorite thing to tune in to
when I watch television. I watch a complicated crime unfold and
the story develop around it until the criminals minimal error is
exposed and the perp is collared! Usually this error is exposed
by using a combination of a mastermind underpaid detective and
the limitless resources of forensic science. I have often feared
that this information may be misinterpreted by some as
instruction. The program lays out how to commit the crime, what
errors to avoid and if arrested how to see your trial through to
acquittal.

The truth of the matter is that the numerous crime shows and
frequency with which they air are in fact having an effect on
real-world expectations. This effect has earned its own buzz
phrase named the "CSI Effect" which is also referred to as the
"CSI Syndrome". This effect is described as the viewing of crime
shows raising victims and jury members expectation of forensic
science. The television writers can overstate the accuracy of
forensic techniques as well as exaggerate the ability of
forensic science. The expectations of crime scene investigation
and DNA testing are especially affected. Prosecutors are being
pressured to present more forensic evidence in court. Potential
jurors are sometimes asked if they are viewers of Forensic Crime
shows as this trend is being considered.

In a similar vein, there are findings that suggest that
forensic science shows help criminals cover their tracks.
According to Joshua Marquis, an Oregon prosecutor, "It's not
uncommon for criminals to now bring bleach with them to sanitize
the crime scene." Criminals are learning what not to leave
behind at crime scenes and getting much better at covering their
tracks. Crime show effects on criminals can also be looked at on
a flip side which is much more positive. It is likely that the
message being conveyed to many is that no matter how they try to
cover their crime, forensic science will reveal their identity.

Whether we look at the positive or negative effects on the
criminal, victim or juror, the cultivation theory is supported
by any one of the findings. The cultivation theory holds that
television cultivates a distorted worldview in which one's
perception of social reality resembles the reality portrayed in
the television program. When looking at crime shows, the
cultivation theory would say that the impact on an individual
would be the tendency to overestimate the rate of violent crime
or the prevalence of law enforcement officials.

We are exposed to a plethora of crime shows. The writers are
increasingly creative and have a tireless supply of inspiration
from real life events. And it seems that life events are being
equally affected by the shows themselves! The emotional
responses that these shows tend to elicit are carried over into
our views, opinions and expectations of real life scenarios.


About The Author: I have an extensive background in Finance and
Fiscal Procedure. I also have a web business where I offer
Educational Computer Software and Games. Please visit us at
http://www.thesoftwarespot.com Thank you, Allison Merlino