Why in CSI do they never turn a light on in a room?

Question

They're always using their flashlights when they go into a dark room even though there's quite obviously electricity in the house! What's wrong with the light switch?!

They always wear gloves and therefore can't leave their prints on it. Also I don't think it's because they want to see how the killer saw it because they can't control the sun if the murder is outside!

Answer 1

Officers initially responding to a crime scene have to note the condition of the room when they entered, including whether lights were off, and then keep the scene in the same condition. After the scene is initially surveyed, the lights may be left off to capture images using ultraviolet (e.g., to see healed bruises or bite marks no longer visible in white light, bloodstains), infrared (e.g., to see heat sources) lighting or use some other forensic tools.

Some of the scenes in C.S.I. in which Grissom & Co. knock about in the dark at the scene are just exaggerated or dramatic license, (but sure look cool on film!); real CSI's use the electical lights of a scene if necessary and if it wouldn't compromise other evidence,and I think they have done so on the show as well.

Answer 2

Because it is TV and the script is written that way.

Actually, when processing a crime scene you do not touch anything or change anything until all the pictures are taken. A small 10 X 12 room with just 12 - 20 objects should take about 4 - 6 hours to process. At least thats how long we took in school for that stuff.

Answer 3

I always wondered about that too! Maybe they are training their eyes to be night vision goggles. The creators probably just make it so for us, the viewers, it's more mysterious of what they find. Like "ooo, it's so dark....omg a body!" Also when they are investigating in the desert during the day, why do they still need to use a flashlight? It's not like there isn't enough light with the hot sun blazing down

Answer 4

I am an ex SOCO. Never touch anything entering a crime scene. The light used helps to highlight traces left by perpetrator. Different lights for different processes. In some areas (where terrorist attacks are likely) the light switch could be booby trapped.

Answer 5

Im not sure, but they are not allowed to change the cond of the room in the first place. Plus, to me its easier to concetrate on each spot in details in every area with flashlights, one by one. In a bright clear room we sometimes tend to concetrate on the obvious objects or spots only, so the less visible things will be left unseen. Well, i think so.

Answer 6

Probably because CSI is located on a set when indoors, which means there are already stage lights, and it would be too bright or there are no lights on set outside of the stage lights.

Answer 7

Because they want to see the crime scene how it naturally is, how the killer saw it etc. They would be putting their prints on the switch too, and possibly distrubing evidence

Answer 8

I have ALWAYS wondered the same thing...i think they do it for dramatic purposes...you know to make everything dark and creepy....

but i still love the show....i watch the original CSI and CSI: Miami but...the original is always the best

Answer 9

fingerprints on light switches maybe

or on the bulb even, the heat generated might affect the prints...

failing that...maybe its so they can shine their torches, look cool and have another scene to put in the opening credits :)

Answer 10

good question... they obviously prefer to use their torches. But more importantly, why does Horatio always look at the ground before saying something profound or threatening?