Television Show Cops: Reality, Representation, and the Working Class
Summer television in Australia often features a surge of locally made police reality TV shows. These “fly-on-the-wall” documentaries follow a formula, stretching a few incidents into hour-long episodes, offering viewers a glimpse into the daily routines of law enforcement officers. The popularity of these Television Show Cops raises questions about their appeal and their impact on public perception of policing.
Why are these shows so fascinating? For many from working-class backgrounds, the relationship with law enforcement is complex. Working-class families often have members in the police force, yet also experience disproportionate harassment and discrimination. This creates a conflicting perspective, where respect for authority clashes with lived experiences of injustice.
This ambivalence is further complicated by political discourse. While some activists readily condemn the police as instruments of oppression, others recognize the individual officers, often from working-class backgrounds themselves, who share similar concerns as the communities they serve. The reality is nuanced, with instances of police misconduct existing alongside examples of dedicated service and community engagement.
Police reality TV offers a unique window into the world of working-class labor. Unlike slick crime dramas, these shows depict the mundane aspects of policing: paperwork, waiting, and the occasional pursuit. This representation of everyday work resonates with viewers, providing a glimpse into a profession often shrouded in mystery or sensationalized in fiction.
The shows also serve an educational purpose. Viewers learn police jargon, procedures, and potential consequences for various offenses. Observing breathalyzer tests or the reading of rights highlights the procedural aspects of law enforcement. Furthermore, the shows often touch upon social issues like alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and mental health, raising awareness and potentially deterring harmful behaviors.
The entertainment value comes from the vicarious thrill of “riding along” with officers, experiencing the tension of arrests and chases. There’s a voyeuristic element to observing both the police and the public they interact with, offering a glimpse into human behavior under pressure.
However, these television show cops also function as public relations for law enforcement. By cooperating with filmmakers, police departments present a carefully curated image. While minor imperfections may be shown, serious issues like brutality, racism, or corruption are absent. This sanitized portrayal contrasts sharply with news reports of police misconduct, raising concerns about the shows’ accuracy and objectivity.
While entertaining and potentially informative, these shows present a limited perspective. The absence of critical issues creates a sanitized image of policing, neglecting the complexities and contradictions inherent in the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Enjoying the depiction of working-class jobs should not preclude a critical examination of the gaps in representation and an acknowledgment of the often fraught relationship between the working class and the police.
