So What Did Margie Say About...

So What Did Margie Say About...

Having gone to many, many gory crime scenes over the last 36 years as a crime scene investigator and bloodstain pattern analyst, I have seen a lot of things.  People say that it takes a "unique" person to deal with the gore. 

 

I have always relied on the idea that physical evidence does not lie, is not prejudiced, and cannot be tainted.  However, as a human being it is often difficult to approach some situations like Joe Friday from the old time Dragnet series - "just the facts" - like a robot.

 

It does take a certain type of person to deal with the physical damages done by crime but there are still psychological issues that are often glossed over.  Crime is obviously difficult for the victim but can be equally as difficult at times for the investigators and detectives.

 

In last night's episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the victim was released to the father.  The man that in "normal" situations would most likely be the best outcome for the daughter.  Yet, this was a potential disaster.

 

Still, keeping the focus on the evidence: mushrooms in the desert, trace evidence on a shirt, shoe impressions in the dirt, paint flakes from a vehicle accident on the road, etc. emotions were put aside to come to a complete and proper conclusion.  This leads us back to the idea that the evidence will not lie or be prejudiced or even emotional but will lead the investigators to the real truth.  One just needs an open mind, patience, and faith in the physical evidence.  It is there if you look.

Video of full episode is not currently available online but check back at http://www.cbs.com/shows/csi/