What Cop Shows Do Cops Actually Love (And Hate)?

I've spoken to my friends in law enforcement and discovered a fascinating trend: they generally hate cop shows, while some prefer realistic dramas to fictionalized ones. As an armed K9 security officer myself, currently undergoing law enforcement training at a community college, I've gained a unique perspective on these shows and their accuracy or lack thereof.

Which Shows Do Cops Hate?

One show that my law enforcement friends absolutely despise is Chicago P.D. For starters, officers would never resort to such brutal methods during interrogations. The show's portrayal of Detective Erin Lindsey, in Season 4, using an unsecured Glock 19 inside a suspect's mouth is a clear example of the show's poor accuracy. Although she was initially going to be fired, she ultimately resigned and joined the FBI in New York. This is a significant deviation from the actual process, which typically involves immediate termination for such misconduct.

The show's emphasis on excessive and unnecessary violence, such as firing hundreds of rounds and reloading every few dozen shots, is also met with disdain. My friends agree that this style of show glorifies the use of lethal force, which is not something they can relate to. While the character of The Rookie is slightly better, it still lacks the realism my friends value. Despite some high numbers of accidental shootings, the rookies are not removed from the program, focusing more on the comedic aspects of their training rather than the serious nature of their work.

Which Shows Do Cops Enjoy?

Surprisingly, pretty much none of my colleagues watch real cop shows. They find them to be too unrealistic and not reflective of their daily experiences. However, some of my friends do enjoy watching older reruns from the late 1980s to early 1990s. These shows give them a glimpse into what police work used to be like and how it has dramatically changed over the years.

The most hated shows are the CSI-type series, which are dripping in fictional elements. There is no magic fingerprint database that runs through everyone in the world in seconds. Shows like CSI, NCIS, Blue Bloods, and Law and Order are prime examples of this. These shows create an unrealistic and unrecognizable version of law enforcement for the average viewer.

The only two cop show or movie combinations that my friends have enjoyed include the movie End of Watch and the TV show Southland. Both have some degree of realism and seem to have at least some collaboration with active duty or former law enforcement officers. These shows are appreciated for their better accuracy and relatable narratives.

Other Shows That Cops Find Entertaining

While not strictly cop shows, some comedies have made it on my law enforcement friends' radar. For instance, Reno 911! is a comedically entertaining show that my friends find humorous, akin to Super Troopers. It provides a good laugh but is not a realistic depiction of law enforcement.

The Late 90s Classic: Third Watch

Back in the late 1990s, NBC ran a show called Third Watch that featured the adventures of a 4pm-12am shift in the NYPD. According to my law enforcement friends, every single character in the show accurately corresponded to an officer on their department, not by choice but because the personalities and stereotypes in the show were so accurate. The events they experienced were clearly written by a cop, making it a rare gem within the genre.

In conclusion, while cop shows are often unrealistic and overly dramatic, some in the law enforcement community find certain shows acceptable or even enjoyable. However, the vast majority would prefer shows that are more accurate and reflect the realities of their work. The key takeaway is that what is entertaining for the general public may not always be accurate or relatable for actual law enforcement officers.