The Police Perspective on Crime Dramas: A Closer Look

Despite the misleading portrayal of law enforcement in mainstream media, it is important to shed light on the real sentiments and experiences of those in the criminal justice system. This article explores the nuanced opinions of police officers and detectives regarding early crime dramas, including a look at their impact on public perception and the portrayal of law enforcement.

Introduction to Early Crime Dramas and Their Impact

One of the most notable questions that popped into my mind was how police officers felt about the popular film and television crime dramas of the time. This curiosity stemmed from uncovering that these shows often deviate from the actuality of law enforcement work and labeling them "TRUE STORY DOCUMENTARY SHOWS AND MOVIES ARE NOT TRUE ABOUT BRUTALITY" and "ignorance."

Early Television Shows and the Realities of Detective Work

The Sof... ly, Softly was a popular BBC drama that aired in the late 1960s, featuring a lead character named Detective Inspector Barlow. A former Flying Squad detective discussed the show, stating, 'I thought 'Bloody hell now the wife will know what I get up to at work! ' It was harshly realistic and close to the truth.

Comparing School Memories to Reality

One particular memory from my school days in the late 1960s is quite telling. I vividly recall a police officer coming to speak to us about his work. His actual words were striking, and I even remember agreeing with him on the death penalty for certain categories of murder.

Death Penalty Controversy

Even though the death penalty had been repealed in the UK only a few years prior, I still felt it was appropriate for certain serious crimes. Specifically, I believe the death penalty should apply to murder of a police officer on duty, during a robbery or kidnapping, and the murder of a minor. These are situations that can warrant such severe measures due to the grave nature of the offenses.

Criticisms of Film and TV Portrayals

When it came to the portrayal of police in the media, opinions were mixed. For example, the Softly, Softly series had a certain level of credibility as it featured a lead character, DI Barlow, played by Stratford Johns, who was seen as a true-to-life depiction. However, my initial impression as a teenager watching the show was different; DI Barlow seemed to me like the sternest and dirtiest cop on television. This perception shifted when a forceful and intelligent detective like Detective Jack Regan, played by John Thaw, made his appearance in the late 1970s series The Sweeney.

Contrast with Dixon of Dock Green

In comparison, the BBC police drama Dixon of Dock Green was another long-running series, yet it received mixed reviews from the police officers. The central character, PC Dixon, portrayed in the series was quite different from any police officer I knew personally. The show was also criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of the actual work that police officers did every day. My own recollection of it was that, despite its popularity, it seemed somewhat anachronistic, especially given the age of its actor, Jack Warner, who was still performing the role of PC Dixon at the age of 80.

Conclusion

These memories illustrate the stark contrast between public entertainments and the true nature of the job. While Softly, Softly and shows like it are seen as somewhat more realistic, popular shows like Dixon of Dock Green were criticized for their inaccuracies. It is essential to remember that these fictional depictions are not always reflective of the reality of law enforcement, a truth that is often overshadowed by their entertainment value.