OU/BBC series ‘Forensics: The Real CSI’ returns for third series

OU/BBC co-production Forensics: The Real CSI returned to BBC2 on 16 May with 4 new episodes. Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology Dr Jim Turner was one of the academic consultants for the series.

Multiple cameras follow serious crime investigations in real time, revealing the crucial role cutting-edge forensic science now plays in bringing criminals to justice. 

This series begins with To Catch a Rapist. A young woman arrives at a police station to report that she has been raped. She was attacked by a stranger at a derelict house in the early hours of the morning. Using a doorbell recording and CCTV footage, the police begin the hunt to bring the perpetrator to justice, with DI Scott Shaw noting that “stranger rapists are some of the most dangerous individuals in society. That’s an individual who has targeted somebody from emotions of wanting to control, for the thrill, perhaps, that they get from attacking somebody that’s a complete stranger to them.

“Identifying and bringing him into custody is an absolute priority because he’s not going to stop, he’s going to carry on offending.”

Other episodes include a jewellery smash and grab, a plastics fire and online grooming. 

Additional content supporting the series, including an interactive crime scene, and exclusive interviews with the forensics experts, can be found on OU Connect.