MELISSA KENT
Popular television crime dramas such as CSI, in which forensic scientists reveal police detection methods, could be helping criminals cover their tracks, scientists warn.
The so-called CSI effect is creating savvy criminals who wear gloves during break-ins, use condoms for sexual assaults, burn stolen cars and even leave other people’s cigarettes at crime scenes to muddy the forensic trail, New Scientist magazine says.
Not only are they giving away valuable tips on how to pull off the perfect crime, the television shows could also be leading jurors to unquestioningly believe the testimony of expert witnesses.
“Jurors who watch CSI believe that those scenarios, where forensic scientists are always right, are really what happens,” said Peter Bull, a forensic sedimentologist from Oxford University, quoted in the magazine.
His view was echoed by Jim Fraser, director for forensic studies at the University of Strathclyde.
“Oversimplification of interpretations on CSI has led to false expectations, especially about the speed of delivery of forensic evidence,” he told the magazine.
Dr Ian Dadour, director of the University of WA’s centre for forensic science, said the impact of the CSI effect on criminals and jurors was yet to be measured.
“These shows undoubtedly use poetic licence and tend to oversimplify which has given jurors a rose-coloured glasses approach to forensics,” he said. “But they have also given an awareness to the general public and opened their eyes to forensics which can actually help the trial process.”
Judith Fordham, a criminal barrister and senior lecturer in forensic science, is doing PhD research involving interviews with post-trial jurors to determine how they absorb the testimony of expert witnesses.
“I would say the CSI effect is very overrated and pop psychology but no one really knows which is why I’m studying the area,” she said. “Studies have shown that jurors are more highly educated than generally thought and more cynical than given credit for.
“They look at all the evidence and are not necessarily swayed by the man in the white coat.”
Ms Fordham rejected the suggestion that criminals were picking up tips from crime shows.
“To be honest most crooks are too stupid,” she said. “What I have noticed is that crooks tend to freak out if DNA is detected and plead guilty, so if anything, it’s working in favour of the justice system.”