NCJ Number
48440
Editor(s)
D BELDIN
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM RELATES THE EXPERIENCES OF TWO POLICEMEN WHO ARE TRYING TO DISPEL THE ROMANTIC BUT DISTORTED TELEVISION IMAGES OF POLICE OFFICERS.
Abstract
THE TELEVISION IMAGE OF THE POLICEMAN IS VERY DISTORTED IT TENDS TO BRING OUT THE EXCITING PART OF THE JOB, THUS PRESENTING A VERY EXAGGERATED PICTURE. ALTHOUGH PART OF THE POLICE LIFE IS EXCITING, A GREAT DEAL OF IT IS DANGEROUS, AND THERE IS PAPERWORK WHICH MUST BE DONE AS A PART OF THE DAILY ROUTINE. THE POLICE OFFICER MUST ALSO KNOW WHEN TO MAKE ARRESTS. HIS DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE HE CAN BE SUSPENDED FOR TOO MANY FALSE ARRESTS. ANOTHER PART OF THE JOB WHICH IS NOT SHOWN ON TELEVISION IS HOW THE POLICE OFFICER MUST DEAL WITH JUVENILES. HE OR SHE ALSO HAS TO LEARN AND GET USED TO THE DIFFERENT PEOPLE ON THE BEAT, INCLUDING INFORMERS AND THE LOCAL PROSTITUTES AND DRUG ADDICTS. NEARLY HALF OF THE CALLS ON A NORMAL BEAT ARE ALCOHOL RELATED IN SOME WAY. NONE OF THE NONGLAMOROUS POLICE JOBS ARE SHOWN ON TELEVISION, SO THESE TWO CITY POLICE OFFICERS MUST SHOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO DEVELOP A RAPPORT WITH ALL OF THE PEOPLE THEY DEAL WITH EVERY DAY. AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET IS INCLUDED. (BAC)