The movie It was a good year is an episode of the crime drama series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. This is the fourth episode in the thirteenth season of this television series and its length is 44 minutes. The film describes the efforts of forensic experts who investigate the murder of a music critic. Overall, one can say that this episode does describe some of the methods that are currently used to examine crime scenes. In particular, one can mention forensic photography, dactyloscopy or fingerprint identification, and the chemical etching method that enabled the CSI team to recover the erased numbers on the metal surface. On the whole, these techniques are considered to be reliable by modern forensic experts.
This episode does not show completely fabricated methods of crime investigation. Yet, there are several inaccuracies that do not conform to current standards of forensic science. For instance, one can mention that laser spectroscopy is a very time-consuming process; yet, in the movie, it takes less than a minute. Thus, one should not suppose this television series reflects the work of criminal investigators. Additionally, this episode describes the way in which forensic experts identified a musical composition by using only a few pieces of the broken vinyl record and a music recognition program. The thing is that such software is not as efficient as it was described in the film. Apart from that, the characters of this movie interrogate or even arrest possible suspects. Nevertheless, one should bear in mind forensic experts are not responsible for this task (Fisher & Fisher, 2012). They should focus on evidence without being influenced by their attitudes or prejudices against a certain suspect or witness.
This episode shows that the crime scene and collected evidence can be examined by many professionals. First of all, one can speak about a forensic photographer who is supposed to reproduce the scene of the crime, the position of body or bodies, and the position of different items. Overall, this professional ensures that investigators can have a clear view of the place where a certain crime was committed. Secondly, it is important to speak about the experts who examine fingerprints. The evidence provided by this professional plays a crucial role in the investigation of the crime. Additionally, this episode showcases the work of pathologists who examine the bodies of the victims.
Overall, it is possible to identify several pieces of evidence that can be important for the investigation of the case. First of all, one can tell about bloodstains collected at the scene of the crime. It should be noted that in this way the members of the CSI team were able to determine where the victim had been murdered. Secondly, it is important to mention the tissues and fibers since they indicate the possible weapon used by the perpetrator. Additionally, fingerprints can be crucial for forensic experts. They can enable investigators either to confirm their suspicions or acquit a person. This episode of CSI shows that forensic fingerprinting can help police determine the identity of a possible suspect. Finally, I can mention that the serial numbers of products can play an instrumental role in the investigation. For instance, CSI experts managed to restore the number of the piano, and this information enabled them to determine the owner of the piano. Overall, such details can greatly facilitate the process of investigation.
Reference List
Fisher, B., & Fisher, D. (2012). Techniques of crime scene investigation. Boca Raton: CRC Press.