Growing up, I have always had a fascination for criminal investigations, whether it was staying up watching ‘Discovery ID’ shows with my father or looking up stories in the newspaper. The thrill and emotional roller coaster you experience when you indulge in every investigation further intensified my interest in the crime world. I was introduced to various crime-related shows and stories that I have grown attached to involuntarily through this interest.
What is criminal investigation?
The authorial figures’ attempt, such as the police, to collect as much information and evidence found in a crime scene to solve the case. Evidence could include any trail the culprit might have left, with which the police would string together using forensic science, including carrying out interrogations, to identify the person responsible.
Crime Investigation Shows
Many shows helped increase my knowledge and interest in the world of criminal investigation; however, the following left a deep print on me as an enthusiast of the field.
Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds is a crime-drama television show that offers a view of the American scene in crimes. It revolves around a dynamic team primarily consisting of Spencer, Hotch, JJ, David Rossi, and Garcia, who works at the FBI’S Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). They join their forces and skills to solve crimes committed by serial killers across the country. Each character can analyze horrific scenes, dismembered bodies, and the culprit’s actions to create a profile that distinguishes the killer. The way the characters work together, each serving a purpose in the team, whether physically or mentally, to restore justice. The show sucked me into the world of criminal investigations, and I was fascinated by the work and effort it takes to solve a crime.
“I know what it’s like to be afraid of your own mind.”
― Dr. Spencer Reid
Mundy, C. (writer), & Horder-Payton, G. (director).(2006) Sex, Birth, Death [Television series episode]. Criminal Minds California, USA: CBS.
Unsolved Mysteries
Unsolved Mysteries is a binge-worthy Netflix documentary series; it reveals atrocious murders, as well as disappearances that are yet to be solved. The show takes you through the investigation process, showcasing the different stages of trying to solve a case. Each case leaves you horrified by the offender’s power to execute such crimes and be able to escape undetected; you are overwhelmed by the emotions overtaking you from sadness to rage. To put yourself in the victim’s shoes, it is baffling and impossible to express the terror of such events. Not to mention how hard it is for the families to revive the emotions contained, especially when no justice was served. You can also not help but make your assumptions on who committed the crimes and try to justify your decisions with the given evidence.
Criminal investigation will always be a growing interest to me, and exploring the different cases leaves a mental impact, which is both fascinating and horrific, and it feeds my knowledge of forensic science. Each crime introduces you to the criminals’ sinister minds and the many ways they have been brought to justice. Seeing the efforts needed to close a case makes me crave participating in a criminal investigation; it is a dream I hope to achieve eventually. With all the binge-watching I have done, I believe I have acquired the necessary skills to become an investigator.
If you ever want to start exploring the world of criminal investigation, here is a little introduction on how it is done.
Questions to discuss:
- If you were to join an investigating team, what role interests you the most (interrogating , analyzing evidence, arresting, etc.)?
- Is there a case that left an impact on you?
