NCJ Number
134905
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 65 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1992) Pages: 3-8
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Television programmers have a responsibility to the public to be honest and truthful. This British author takes exception to the way police officers are portrayed in most television programs.
Abstract
Because the viewing public is exposed to so many programs, through news broadcasts, films, and T.V. drama, that involve police officers, the audience tends to accept the messages transmitted by these programs as reality. The effect of some of these programs could be to increase fear of crime among viewers or to dissuade them from seeking police assistance when and if they need it. The author also criticizes programs which label themselves documentaries, but deliberately present only one side of an issue. Too often, changes that have occurred in the British police service have not been reflected in the image of officers portrayed by television. Stereotypes used by many producers are neither honest nor truthful. The author suggests the implementation of regulatory guidelines that demand accuracy in television drama.