A&E's "First 48" documents local homicide investigations

Posted at: 10/03/2012 5:23 PM | Updated at: 10/03/2012 5:58 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

The “First 48” will be here for a year documenting many of Rochester’s homicides. The show takes you behind the scenes, giving you access the media can’t even get. It goes step by step throughout the investigation and forensics.

It’s been said the first 48 hours after a homicide are critical for investigators. But when the clock starts ticking in Rochester, the cameras will be rolling.

Jon Ingalls, field producer, said, “Seeing the work that these investigators do. Seeing the hours they put in. Seeing how dedicated they are to their jobs is important to bring to people.”

Field producer Jon Ingalls is part of a team of three who have been working around the clock since they got here three weeks ago. So far, they have covered two homicides and now they’ll have to wait and see if and when they’ll be another.

Ingalls said, “You have to really be able to show up at the crime scene and follow the work that they do, no matter where it takes you.”

Ingalls is actually back in town for the second time. Back in 2008, a similar show made its way through our streets. He’s also working with some of the same investigators like Gary Galetta.

Investigator Gary Galetta, Rochester Police Department, said, “A lot of people particularly the families of victims don't get to see the effort, the day to day grind that goes into a murder investigation.”

It’s something Investigator Galetta says people should see to fully understand that the work doesn’t stop when the tape comes down.”

Galetta said, “There's so much more to it. Unfortunately during our meetings and briefings with families they get a snap shot instead of a real concept of the enormous amount of work that goes into it.”

These photographers have been to several cities throughout the United States documenting horrendous crimes. It’s a 24 hour job that requires a tough skin and a city that can fight its own battles.

Ingalls said, “What really makes Rochester attractive is that the investigators here have a very high solve rate. The City of Rochester is able to put a lot of resources into solving homicides.”

The network has a contract with the city for the next year even though these photographers will be called out to every scene, not every single homicide will be shown.

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