Australian Police Reality TV: A Non-Ratings Season Staple
The Australian summer TV schedule often swaps expensive dramas for cheaper fare, including locally-made police reality shows. These fly-on-the-wall documentaries follow a formulaic structure, weaving multiple storylines into hour-long episodes. But what’s the appeal, and how do these shows affect viewers’ perceptions of law enforcement?
The popularity of police reality TV is multifaceted. For many from working-class backgrounds, the relationship with police is complex. Family ties to law enforcement are common, yet so are experiences with harassment, discrimination, and even brutality, particularly for people of color. This creates tension between respecting authority and questioning its potential for abuse.
Political perspectives further complicate this inherent contradiction. Some left-leaning activists condemn police as instruments of state violence. Others see individual officers, often from working-class backgrounds, as sharing similar concerns with the communities they police. Recognizing racism, sexism, and homophobia within police ranks alongside dedicated officers committed to community service highlights the issue’s nuances.
The appeal of these shows lies in their portrayal of everyday working life. Unlike the polished, often unrealistic depictions of fictional police dramas, reality TV offers a glimpse into the mundane aspects: paperwork, waiting, and repetitive tasks rarely shown elsewhere.
Beyond procedural elements, these shows delve into social issues. Alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and mental health crises are recurring themes, offering insight into challenges faced by police and the community. By showcasing consequences of illegal and anti-social behavior, the shows arguably deter crime and remind viewers of constant police surveillance.
The entertainment value is undeniable. The ride-along format provides vicarious thrills, letting viewers experience the adrenaline of chases and arrests from home. Observing police interactions with suspects and those seeking help offers a voyeuristic glimpse into human drama.
However, the overwhelmingly positive portrayal of law enforcement raises concerns about these shows functioning as PR tools. With police cooperation and endorsement, they often present a sanitized reality, devoid of real-world controversies. The absence of police brutality, racism, sexism, and corruption disconnects the televised image from documented realities.
While these shows offer valuable insights into daily police work and its challenges, their selective presentation requires critical viewing. The omission of negative aspects raises questions about the shows’ message and their potential to shape public perception. Enjoying the depiction of working-class jobs is one thing, but acknowledging the complex relationship between police and the community is crucial for balanced understanding.
