From crime statistics, DNA analyzes and TV thrillers: In the May issue, bild der wissenschaft illuminates exciting aspects of crime. The focus provides insights into the development of criminal offenses in Germany and into the modern methods of forensic scientists. In addition, the focus is on the media presentation: the title topic illuminates how realistic the work of forensic doctors is portrayed in the TV crime scene and why the topic captivates so many viewers.
How beautiful the world would be if everyone respected the rights of others – but unfortunately, as we all know, this is not the case: crime in its many manifestations is a stubborn dark side of human society. The judiciary and the police are responsible for detecting, punishing and preventing crimes. In addition, however, research should also contribute to the development of strategies to counteract crime. Information about the extent and development of certain forms of crime and their socio-demographic background is of fundamental importance. This is the subject of the first article in the three-part cover story “Crime on the Trail”.
Criminal statistics and their roots at a glance
In it, the bdw author Manuela Rassaus gives an overview of the criminal activity in Germany. It sheds light on the scientific evidence on who is committing which crimes in our country and why. This information forms an important basis for the development of preventive and control measures. As the author reports, according to surveys, many people in our country feel threatened by crime and often feel that crime is increasing. However, this does not seem to correspond to the facts: according to the statistics, we live in a comparatively safe country and in recent years crime has actually decreased. However, according to the article, there is a dark field of unrecorded crimes, the extent of which remains unclear.
The bdw author Daniela Wakonigg then provides insights into the investigations at crime scenes and the sophisticated techniques that are used. The focus is on how the ever finer DNA analysis methods help to identify perpetrators. Wakonigg describes how precise and careful molecular geneticists have to be when creating profiles. However, if this succeeds, astonishingly detailed information is reflected in the genome of a possible criminal: In addition to some physical characteristics, there may be indications of biogeographical origin and age.
A critical look at a TV production
The article “… and – cut!” then deals with the media implementation of the techniques of forensic medicine: On behalf of bdw, the author Rolf Heßbrügge watched various episodes of the ARD television series Tatort “Team Münster”. The question was: How realistic is the work of the portrayed forensic doctors Karl-Friedrich Boerne and Silke Haller? For this purpose, the author has obtained advice from the real forensic doctor Maximilian Hagen. In addition, Hessbrügge informed himself about the conception of the TV production. His “expert opinion” is quite positive – but there are also a few drawbacks.
This media part of the title story is rounded off by two interviews: Hessbrügge spoke to the actress ChrisTine Ursprechen, who plays the forensic doctor Silke Haller. She explains how she prepared for her role and was coached by experts. The author also spoke to media psychologist Jo Groebel about what makes forensic pathologists in crime novels so fascinating for television viewers.
You can find out more in the May issue of bild der wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from April 19.