On television, crime scene investigators operate in a glamorous world of beautiful mansions and wealthy people. Everyone has that plastic surgery sculptured body, and is a model or some high-powered person. The crime scene investigator on television is always pristine, with his or her hair in place—he or she never sweats, is never dirty, and always wears the latest fashions, from low-rider pants and form-fitting belly-exposing shirts to high heel open-toe shoes.

In reality, crime scene investigators have little contact with the rich and the famous. We never interview or interrogate suspects; the lead detective does that—and he or she would never show the suspect the evidence in a sealed bag. Most of our profession is going into dirty, cluttered houses to deal with the nasty conditions in which people live. We deal with the decomposing bodies. (decomposition happens very quickly in South Florida’s heat.) we deal with the victims who lie about their involvement in crimes. (I cannot count how many times I have heard victims say, “I was just walking down the street and got shot for no reason.” I normally tell them that people do not shoot at you for no reason, especially not several times with an AK-47. Usually that means they intend to kill you, or at least send a very strong message.) we deal with the raw and unpleasant aspects of life on the streets. We deal with a side of life that most people cannot even imagine. Let me give you a glimpse  …