In this assignment, you are asked to critically analyze the portrayal of criminal investigations in popular media, such as TV shows, movies, and documentaries. The goal is to evaluate the accuracy of these portrayals, identify potential misconceptions, and compare them to real-life investigative practices and techniques. Through this assignment, you will enhance their critical thinking skills, gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal investigations, and improve your ability to communicate effectively about the subject.
Word Limit: 2,500 words (excluding references)
Instructions
Media Selection: Choose a specific piece of media (e.g., a TV show episode, a movie, or a documentary) that prominently features [a] criminal investigation(s). Your media selection should be approved by the instructor beforehand to ensure its appropriateness for the assignment.
Analysis and Comparison: Watch/read your chosen media carefully, paying close attention to the investigation-related scenes or aspects. You should then conduct research to identify real-life investigatory practices and techniques that correspond to the portrayed elements in the media.
Critical Evaluation of Accuracy: In a well-structured essay, critically evaluate the accuracy of the investigation portrayal(s) in the chosen media. You must analyze specific scenes, techniques, and/or forensic tools depicted and determine if they align with real-world practices. Be sure to critique portrayals of interview and interrogation processes, eyewitness identification, informants, issues of privacy (including searches and seizures), and the internal and external law enforcement uses of the modern computer. Where inaccuracies are found, you should clearly explain the discrepancies and provide evidence from reputable sources to support your arguments.
Misconceptions Identification: Identify any potential misconceptions that the media might perpetuate about criminal investigations. These misconceptions could relate to the capabilities of agencies, investigators, interview/interrogation techniques, informants, forensic methods, the speed of analysis, the certainty of results, or the overall portrayal of investigators and their role in investigations.
Real-life Comparison: For each element of criminal investigation depicted in the media, you should describe how it aligns with actual practices and techniques used in real-life investigations. You should use scholarly articles, textbooks, and reputable sources to support their comparisons and provide a well-rounded perspective.
Reflection and Recommendations: In the conclusion of your essay, you should reflect on the overall impact of media portrayals on public perception of criminal investigations. You should propose recommendations on how media representations can be improved to reflect a more accurate and responsible portrayal of the field.
