This podcast is rated PG.

We often see how the police investigate crimes on TV and in movies, and we read about their procedures in books, but how accurate are those portrayals? This week we get the real story from one who knows.

Join Undersheriff Tony Spurlock and host Paula B. as they discuss:

* Where the police start their investigations

* What kinds of facts they must have in order to make progress

* How police should handle witnesses

* How the police sometimes miss important forensic evidence that is available to them

* What types of forensic evidence the police usually get involved with

* What some types of more exotic forensic evidence are

* How easy it is for perpetrators to cover their tracks

* How detectives trace where weapons and other evidence was purchased or otherwise obtained

* How long police keep evidence

* How evidence is stored

* How evidence is disposed of

* Who cleans up crime scenes

* What detectives look for when searching houses and offices

* Why people commit murder

* How reliable witness accounts are

* What to look out for when questioning witnesses

* Whether he thinks he could commit the perfect crime.