What TV Gets Wrong About Crime

Saturday 30 May 2026 13:30 - 15:00

Location: Number 44 Hotel, 44 Allardice Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2BU

RGU Forensic students analysing mock crime scene

Think TV forensics and policing is realistic? Think again. Join RGU criminology and forensic experts as they reveal what crime shows get wrong, and what really happens behind the scenes.

Television crime dramas have shaped how we all think policing and forensic science works, but how much of what we see on screen is actually true? From good cop/bad cop and instant DNA results to flawless evidence recovery, TV often prioritises drama over reality. This engaging talk pulls back the curtain on crime, policing, and forensic science to separate fact from fiction.

Delivered by a team of criminology and forensic specialists from Robert Gordon University, What TV Gets Wrong About Crime explores some of the most common myths perpetuated by popular crime shows. Using carefully selected clips from well-known TV series, the presenters will pause, unpack, and explain what is scientifically inaccurate, misleading, or simply impossible - and then describe how forensic investigations really work in practice.

The session is designed to be accessible, entertaining, and informative. No prior scientific knowledge is needed. It will appeal especially to crime fiction lovers, aspiring authors, readers, and anyone with an interest in true crime, policing, or forensic science. Writers will gain some insight into how forensic evidence is actually collected, analysed, and interpreted, helping them to create more authentic and believable stories. Enthusiasts of crime TV will enjoy discovering just how much creative licence their favourite shows take.

Topics covered include DNA analysis timescales, fingerprint evidence, trace recovery, crime scene contamination, and the role of the forensic scientist within the wider justice system. The presenters also discuss why inaccuracies persist in television portrayals and how these myths can influence juries and public expectations - sometimes referred to as the “CSI effect”.

The talk is delivered in an informal lecture style with plenty of opportunities for audience interaction. Questions and discussion are actively encouraged throughout, making it a lively and engaging event rather than a one-way presentation.

As part of the Heart of Stone Crime Writing Festival, this session bridges the gap between science and storytelling, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes view of forensic science as it really is - messy, methodical, and far more complex than television suggests.

Speakers: Professor Nick Fyfe, May Pascaud and Wendy Deegan.