They don't accurately reflect the way things really are, not in the way that police actually act, nor in the almost universal succeses these shows portray, and certainly not in the noble and courageous way that the police are portrayed. Is it that we enjoy them because we recognize stories about brave, gentle and intelligent police as essentially fiction? Or is there a more sinister aspect to this, that by repeatedly portraying what is demonstrably inaccurate as reality, we are to become acclimated to the presence of increasingly more numerous and intrusive police activity?
2006-09-26 16:17:35 · 5 answers · asked by Like An Ibis 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Hey, Mike? I read your answers, and a few things are apparent. First, you identify yourself as a police officer. Second, you are virtually incapable of answering any question critical of the police without resorting to profanity and belittleing the questioner, to say nothing of not even attempting to answer the question. Third, you seem to display a much greater facility for home repair than law enforcement, perhaps you missed your calling on this account. And last, I'd have e-mailed you this message, but I expect your cowardice led you to not allow this as a possibility. Please, on behalf of the members of your community, admit that you're part of the problem, and quit. Thanks for the thumbs-down, by the way. From you, I take that as high praise.
2006-09-26 18:34:30 · update #1
I believe their purpose is to discourage folks from doing the sorts of stupid things we see on those shows. It is an effort at crime reduction by showing the criminals getting caught for their efforts.
Folks almost universally commit crimes because they figure they won't get caught.
Those shows edit out some of the more serious cop blunders and generally only portray the incidents that serve the purpose. So, for that reason, I figure you are right to call it 'cop-aganda'.
Here is one such blunder...
2006-09-26 16:20:23 · answer #1 · answered by speakeasy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They do reflect the job of a police officer accurately, to a point. They do tend to show the exciting and dangerous parts of the job like car chases and fights and shootings but not the mundane aspect like loud music and illegally parked car complaints that are more common. They certainly do not show the hours of paperwork that come with every 1 min of adrenaline rush. Don't blame this on "copaganda" by the way. Blame this on the American TV viewers appetite for action and excitement. How long do you think the average American would watch a show about cops towing junk cars off the street or writing reports on parking lot fender bender accidents?
2006-09-27 00:13:17 · answer #2 · answered by Mike 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well yes and no. I have a great high school friend who is a Kansas State Trooper. He has had the camera boys in his cruiser a time or too, but nothing ever happened.
But his real stories of the wild, the wacky, OKIE's gone wild in Kansas and other assorted stories are so incredibly funny that I'm laughing just typing this. Wish I could share them, but their are his to share as he sees fit.
So yeah, the police shows only catch a glimpse of what's really going on.
2006-09-26 23:24:15 · answer #3 · answered by KERMIT M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is mostly for entertainment to the large community that watches it. But its also to watch and inform you whats going on in the world.
2006-09-26 23:24:26 · answer #4 · answered by -->Kaity<-- 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the shows are real. my cousin has been on it a couple times in san diego. there is more negativity towards police than positive, until you need them.
2006-09-26 23:26:40 · answer #5 · answered by Steve B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋