Viewers have turned Sherlock
To mark last night's launch of new exclusive Really real life crime series Cold Justice, a survey of 1,500 British adults was commissioned, asking respondents about their perceived knowledge of crimonology, as well as the belief that TV shows have given rise to some of the key crime myths.
64% of those who took part in the survey believe that watching TV crime shows has made them amateur experts in crime and criminology, whilst a huge 20% think they could commit the perfect crime.
One in six (16%) admitted they've used techniques to solve crime as seen on television in real life for their own mysteries, with the following ways being the most common:
52% social media stalking
44% spying on the movements of neighbours
23% checking partner's emails
20% checking partner's text messages
Nine in ten (89%) said they considered themselves law abiding citizens, but 13% have said they believe they could commit murder and get away with it.
It was also revealed that the top ten crime myths are still believed by a large proportion of those questioned:
1. Everyone gets to make a phone call when they are arrested – 74%
No, police are required to notify someone of your whereabouts, but you do not have the right to make this phone call yourself.
2. Prison sentences are becoming more lenient and fewer people are being sent to prison – 71%
Actually, prison numbers have risen due to courts sentencing more offenders to prison, and because offenders have been staying in prison for longer.
3. Removing a squatter is difficult – 69%
Since 2012 squatting has been a criminal offence that can lead to six months in prison and a £5,000 fine. Squatters’ rights no longer exist. The new law speeds up the removal process for homeowners and police are now able to raid buildings and remove squatters.
4. Insanity defence can help you get away with murder – 68%
Quite the reverse - defendants who asserted an insanity defence at trial, and who were ultimately found guilty of their charges, served significantly longer sentences than defendants tried on similar charges who did not assert the insanity defense.
5. CSI investigators are directly involved with the investigation, raids and arrest – 66%
Despite TV crime dramas showing investigators as ‘jack of all trades,’ each step of the investigation process is handled by separate specialists.
6. You cannot be tried for the same crime twice – 63%
In the UK, since 2003 those acquitted of a murder can be re-tried if ‘fresh and viable’ new evidence has come to light.
7. A person’s complete records can be obtained by typing only their name into a police computer – 61%
The database holds certain information relating to vehicles and drivers but it only holds large amounts of personal information about those who have been previously convicted, cautioned or recently arrested or for those sought in connection with a crime.
8. Most crime is solved by DNA – 59%
Less than 1% of all crimes are solved with DNA evidence.
9. Criminal profiling will always successfully identify a subject – 57%
No, there is much debate about criminal profiling – with many experts saying that it is more of an art than a science, and shouldn’t be used as the basis for firm judgements within any criminal investigation.
10. You have to be tall to join the police – 50%
The height requirement was removed in 1990 and British forces no longer require their recruits to be of a minimum height.
Cold Justice airs Fridays at 10pm on Really.
Tagged in Sherlock