Do Police Shows Improve Law and Order? A Critical Analysis

The perceived impact of police shows on promoting law and order has been a matter of debate. As a criminal accountant and car leasing operations manager, my experience has led me to question whether these shows genuinely enhance public safety or simply provide a glamorous fa?ade for law enforcement.

Observations from Real Life Experiences

From my perspective, the response of the 'real police' is often inadequate, lacking in accountability and recourse. This is particularly evident in situations where a lease car is driven without the driver's authorization, yet the officer's response is often dismissive, suggesting, 'it’s at your risk.'

One instance stands out where a car with a levy had been tampered with, and the officer treated it as a trivial matter. Instead of addressing the actual issue, the officer responded, 'that’s the risk you lender take.' This attitude reflects a broader issue within the police force, where trivial offenses are prioritized over more serious ones.

The Perception Gap: Television vs. Reality

Police shows like 'Real Cops,' 'Robbers,' and similar programs often focus on minor offenses such as speeding or broken lights, which often yield easier convictions due to insufficient evidence. These shows present a skewed portrayal of law enforcement, highlighting minor infractions while ignoring more severe crimes like drunk driving or anti-social behavior.

Furthermore, the interaction between officers and civilians is often aggressive and condescending. Many officers are seen as surly figures, believing they are above the law, and their methods can be harsh, bordering on unnecessary. This portrayal does little to build public trust in law enforcement but rather paints a picture of a heavy-handed and unreasonable force.

The Reality of Crime Prevention

While the shows suggest that the police are effective in bringing criminals to justice, the reality is starkly different. Many officers are more concerned with small, easily prosecutable cases that bring quick wins. A common justification is that they need to 'keep the roads safe in cases they can win.' This attitude negates the genuine threats to public safety.

The James Bulger case is a poignant example where multiple layers of security and oversight failed to prevent a tragic event. The absence of uniformed police officers and the lack of appropriate response from the police show that a hyper focus on minor crimes can undermine efforts to prevent more severe offenses. A 2-year-old being abducted in broad daylight by ten-year-olds, it is clear that a more robust approach to community policing is needed.

The Impact on Public Perception

Public perception of law enforcement is shaped by these shows, which often present a superficial and idealized image of the police. The voice-overs at the end of shows, announcing convictions and fines, are designed to make the public believe that they, too, can become victims of crime. However, these shows do little to address the real issues that affect the public, such as major crimes, financial fraud, and serious malpractice by law enforcement.

My experience with fraud cases has led me to believe that the police are not always cooperative or thorough in investigating serious offenses. They are inclined to prioritize cases that are easy to solve and less likely to incite public outcry. This selective approach to law enforcement further erodes public trust and highlights a disconnect between the police force and the communities they serve.

Moreover, the way police shows depict traffic officers often portrays them as exempt from traffic regulations. This inconsistency undermines their credibility and respect in the eyes of the public. Traffic officers consistently disobey traffic laws, such as jumping red lights at junctions, and not abiding by 'no right/left turns' or 'no entry' signs, leading to a general perception that they are not adhering to the same standards they enforce on others.

The Need for Real Change

In conclusion, while these police shows may entertain and provide some entertainment value, they do little to promote genuine law and order. Instead of glamorizing minor offenses and trivializing major ones, law enforcement should focus on addressing the root causes of crime and enhancing community engagement. Public trust in the police can only be built through accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to public safety, not through sanitized and glorified portrayals of their work.

For the police to truly make a difference, they must work towards a more balanced approach that not only prosecutes minor crimes but also investigates and prevents major criminal activities. The public deserves more than the superficial and often misleading images presented by these shows. It is time for the police to prioritize real law and order over their personal and organizational image.