Does the Blue Bloods TV Show Use Real Police Uniforms, Cars, Codes, and Procedures?

Blue Bloods is a popular television series that centers around the investigative work of the Delacourt family in New York City. While the show strives for authenticity, it often incorporates dramatic elements to enhance entertainment value. This article delves into the accuracy of various elements featured in the series, focusing on police uniforms, vehicles, codes, and procedures.

Uniforms

The characters in Blue Bloods wear NYPD uniforms that are based on real police attire. However, there may be certain variations to suit specific roles or narrative requirements. The production team consults with law enforcement professionals to ensure the uniforms are as authentic as possible.

Vehicles

The show features actual NYPD vehicles, such as patrol cars and specialized units, which significantly enhance the realism of the series. This includes Blue Bloods' use of real NYPD cars, allowing for more accurate depictions of police operations. Additionally, there are instances where Blue Bloods uses fake NYPD cars, often with cameras mounted inside and sometimes without rearview mirrors or windshields, to add to the authenticity while ensuring the actors' faces remain visible.

Procedures and Codes

The series frequently portrays real police procedures, codes, and protocols, even if these are occasionally exaggerated or simplified for dramatic effect. For instance, the radio procedures used in the show are closely modeled after NYPD protocol. However, viewers should be aware that artistic license is often taken to drive the narrative forward.

Expert Consultation

Production teams often consult with former law enforcement officers and experts to maintain a high level of authenticity when depicting police operations. This ensures that the series is as realistic as possible, while still allowing for creative storytelling.

Technical Oversight and Fake Cars

While Blue Bloods often uses real NYPD cars, the show also employs fake cars to maintain consistency in their exterior appearances. License plates are often dummy plates that do not correspond to actual NYPD registration. Moreover, car accessories and attachments are frequently skillfully edited to create the illusion of the same car being seen from different angles.

Realism vs. Dramatic License

Blue Bloods captures many aspects of real police work, such as the complexities and challenges faced by officers. However, it is important to note that the show is a scripted drama. As such, there are occasional departures from real procedures and details. For example, if a commissioner has a child working at the NYPD, the series might portray the child as working undercover. Similarly, fictional characters often proceed to trial much more quickly than real-life cases would allow.

The Unrealities of the Show

Alongside the features of the show that accurately reflect reality, some of the more extraordinary aspects include:

Unnumbered Precincts: NYPD precincts are not consecutively numbered, which can be used creatively. For instance, Blue Bloods' 12th Precinct does not exist in real life. This is consistent with other TV shows that use similar precinct numbers for dramatic purposes. Student Loans and Career Choices: A character like Officer Jamie Reagan, who graduated from Harvard Law, may appear to be paying off student loans by becoming a cop, while potentially missing out on higher-paying lawyer jobs in NYC. Such scenarios are presented in the show as plot devices rather than accurate reflections of reality. Timely Trials: Real-life trials for complex cases often take months, but in Blue Bloods and other similar series, cases typically proceed to trial within a few days of the arrest.

Conclusion

While Blue Bloods aims to be as realistic as possible, it is important for viewers to understand that there is often a degree of dramatic scripting involved. The show draws inspiration from real-life experiences but takes creative liberties to advance the plot and maintain viewer interest. Still, its careful attention to detail in portraying uniforms, vehicles, procedures, and codes contributes significantly to its overall authenticity.