The Role of a Technical Advisor: How to Make Your Crime Story Believable
When it comes to creating an authentic and gripping crime story, having a technical advisor is the secret weapon that separates the good from the great. A technical advisor with real-world law enforcement experience can take your film, TV, or book project to the next level, ensuring that every detail feels grounded in reality. But what exactly does a technical advisor do, and why is it crucial to get one on board? Let’s break it down.
What Does a Police Technical Advisor Do?
A technical advisor acts as the bridge between real-world police work and the fictional universe you’re creating. They’re responsible for guiding your script, your cast, and your crew to ensure that what ends up on screen (or in print) reflects how things actually happen in law enforcement.
Here are some key areas where a police technical advisor can help:
Procedural Accuracy: Whether it’s the proper way to conduct an arrest, how detectives process crime scenes, or the correct terminology used in a police station, an advisor ensures that the procedures shown align with real-world practices. This avoids jarring moments that can take your audience out of the story.
Character Behavior and Dialogue: A technical advisor can help your actors get into the mindset of law enforcement professionals, teaching them how a detective or officer would really talk, move, and interact with colleagues and suspects. This is especially important for portraying rank-and-file dynamics, chain of command, and the emotional weight of police work.
Crime Scene Authenticity: From forensic evidence collection to how long it actually takes to get DNA results back, a technical advisor brings realism to how investigations unfold. Instead of the detective solving the case in a montage of fast-paced scenes, the advisor ensures that your portrayal of investigations shows the patience and methodical work that’s really involved.
Why You Can’t Rely on Outdated Knowledge
Many productions make the mistake of relying on advisors who haven’t been in the field for years, or simply trust popular tropes from other shows. The problem? The game has changed. Modern police work has evolved dramatically, especially with the rise of digital forensics, data surveillance, and advanced technology.
An advisor who’s still active in law enforcement brings fresh, relevant insight that you won’t get from someone who’s been out of the game for too long. Today’s investigations often hinge on digital forensics, social media analysis, and other things that simply weren’t part of the toolkit in years past ago. Without someone current, you run the risk of having an outdated portrayal that doesn’t match the reality of modern policing.
Why Authenticity Matters
Sure, creative license is necessary—you don’t want to bog down your crime drama with the mundane aspects of police work. But believable details elevate the tension, credibility, and engagement of your story. Modern audiences, especially fans of crime genres, are savvy and expect a higher level of authenticity.
Whether it’s nailing the look of a crime scene, accurately portraying courtroom procedures, or getting the dynamic between detectives and patrol officers just right, a technical advisor helps you strike that balance between dramatic flair and realistic detail.
How to Work with a Police Technical Advisor
If you’re bringing a technical advisor on board, here’s how to make the most of their expertise:
Early Involvement: Bring your advisor in during the script development phase. They can help shape scenes and characters from the ground up, ensuring the foundation of your story is authentic.
On-Set Guidance: During production, an advisor can ensure your actors are performing tasks like arrests, interrogations, or evidence collection correctly. They’ll also help ensure props (like police badges, uniforms, or crime scene equipment) are accurate.
Post-Production Review: After filming or writing is complete, having a technical advisor review the final cut or manuscript ensures any small errors are caught before release.
Real-World Examples of Great Technical Advice
Some of the best crime shows and films have been known for their authenticity because they worked with real-life professionals. Take shows like The Wire or True Detective—the gritty realism in these shows came from meticulous research and close collaboration with technical advisors who lived the job.
When a story feels real, the stakes feel higher, and the audience stays locked in. A technical advisor is the key to getting that edge.
Need an Advisor? Let’s Talk
As a working homicide detective, I bring modern expertise to the table. Whether you're writing a script or directing a scene, I can help you strike the perfect balance between drama and realism, making sure your crime story feels authentic to today’s world.