Do Homicide Detectives Become Desensitized to Gory Photos?

I may be far from a homicide detective, but whenever I watch these shows, I find myself consuming my lunch, mesmerized by the gory details often depicted. But let's be clear — those aren't real life. So are these detectives truly desensitized to graphic imagery, or is it just what we like to see on TV?

When I come across real-life photos or videos of burns, decapitations, and other horrifying scenes, I cringe — but that doesn't impact my lunch choice. Maybe it's my fascination with the human body and my dreams to work in a medical field that keeps me at the table. Maybe it's also the lack of decent chemistry and physics grades that pushed me away from these aspirations.

Exposure to Real Gory Situations

It's not just homicide detectives; patrol cops, EMTs, and anyone in the medical field undergo similar experiences. In the '70s, when I was an EMT, the awareness of diseases like AIDS, hepatitis, and the importance of wearing gloves weren't as common. I still recall cleaning up from a particularly gory call where an individual had an open skull fracture with exposed gray matter.

As Kat Sato noted, some of the most horrifying discussions can arise during meals. Witnessing the uninitiated flee the table while they become unwell is just one of the many realities.

The Speed of Desensitization

The process of desensitization happens incredibly fast. Imagine the first time you encounter a dead body with a slashed neck, seeing the fat layer and those vocal cords. Then, the next scene may just seem normal, leading you to jokingly comment, 'And if it's just photos over lunch? Pssh, pass the chili fries!'

Desensitization varies but is common among those who do similar work for a living. Many can't even glance at a horrific crime scene and maintain their appetite, while others become noticeably desensitized. For instance, I've heard of coroners and pathologists eating their meals in the same house where a crime scene is being excavated, surrounded by disturbing smells and the knowledge of buried bodies.

Impact on Personal Health

While desensitization can be a common outcome, it's not a universal one. People in fields like forensics and pathology may occasionally experience emotions that could lead to nausea or vomiting. After years of dealing with horrific cases, it's common for someone to encounter a particularly triggering scenario, causing them to feel ill.

However, it's important to note that the shock value of graphic events often diminishes with repeated exposure. If you've had numerous headshot victims in your career as a homicide detective or forensic scientist, it's likely that those events no longer cause the same level of shock they once did.

Conclusion

In summary, while some homicide detectives may indeed become desensitized to gory photos and scenes, the process and extent of desensitization can vary greatly. It's a complex and multifaceted issue that affects both physical health and emotional well-being. If you work in a profession where exposure to such images and scenarios is frequent, it's essential to recognize the signs of desensitization and take steps to maintain your mental and emotional health.

Keywords

Homicide detectives Desensitization Forensic science