Police Television Show: The Allure of Reality TV Cops

Summer television in Australia often features locally made police reality TV shows. These “fly-on-the-wall” documentaries follow a formula, stretching a few stories into an hour-long episode. The popularity of these shows raises questions about their appeal and their impact on public perception of law enforcement.

Why are these shows so fascinating? For many from working-class backgrounds, the relationship with the police is complex. Often, family members serve in law enforcement, yet personal experiences might include harassment or discrimination. This creates a conflicting perspective, fostering simultaneous respect and distrust.

Middle-class left-wing activists frequently criticize the police as instruments of state violence. While acknowledging instances of police brutality and systemic issues, it’s crucial to remember that police officers are individuals, often from working-class backgrounds, with diverse motivations and beliefs. The reality is more nuanced than simple good versus evil portrayals.

Police reality TV offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of working people. Unlike slick police dramas, these shows depict the mundane aspects of policing: paperwork, waiting, and the occasional pursuit. This realism distinguishes them from the often-glamorized fictional portrayals.

The characters, both officers and the public they interact with, are predominantly working-class. This representation is rare in Australian television, offering a window into the lives and experiences of ordinary people navigating everyday challenges. The audience gets to “ride along,” experiencing the job’s realities.

These shows capture the diversity within the police force, showcasing officers from various cultural backgrounds and genders. Some officers are charming, others brusque. Some are fit, others less so. Some offer insights, while others quietly perform their duties. This range of personalities adds to the shows’ authenticity.

Do these shows educate, entertain, or serve as public relations for the police? Criminologist Paul Mason suggests that television influences public understanding of law enforcement. These programs potentially educate viewers on police procedures, protocols, jargon, and potential penalties for crimes.

Viewers witness breathalyzer tests, the reading of rights, and the frustration when things go wrong. This contrasts with the high drama of fictional police shows, highlighting the often tedious and frustrating reality of police work. The shows also touch upon social issues like alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and mental illness.

The “ride along” format provides voyeuristic entertainment, allowing viewers to witness interactions between police and the public, both suspects and those seeking help. The vicarious thrill of participating in arrests and chases adds to the appeal.

These programs undeniably function as positive PR for law enforcement. Police departments cooperate with production, and police chiefs often endorse the shows. While depicting occasional harsh words or physical restraint, they avoid portraying police brutality, racism, sexism, homophobia, shootings, or deaths in custody. This sanitized version contradicts news reports and presents a wholesome, if sometimes bumbling, image of police work.

While enjoyable and potentially educational, these shows present a selectively positive view of law enforcement. It’s essential to acknowledge the omissions and the complexities of the relationship between the working class and the police. The gaps between reality and representation must be recognized.