Once an obscure and ill-defined science, forensics has captured the American imagination, as seen in numerous TV crime series. But how accurate are these shows? And what's it like to be a real crime scene investigator? Authorities employ tools and techniques to identify victims and suspects -- sometimes breaking open cases, sometimes without success, but almost always behind the scenes. Full story »
CBS' "CSI" franchise has given Americans a look at crime solving in the 21st century. But real crime scene investigators note vast differences between them and their onscreen brethren, saying their jobs require more time, guesswork and luck than seen on TV. Gallery
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