NCJ Number
158691
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1995) Pages: 101-129
Date Published
1995
Length
29 pages
Annotation
Three data collection techniques were used in a study that examined the extent to which 21 police officer/actors who took part in the production of 27 reality-television program segments regarding police work perceived this portrayal of their work as a useful method of promoting realistic public awareness of the police function.
Abstract
The program segments were all filmed in Nashville, Tenn. They focused on police officers on various tours of duty. Officials of the Nashville Metro Police Department had full editorial control of the footage to be aired on the programs. The research focused on police officer/actors' perceptions of the distinction between three classifications of police work: (1) the television portrayals of police work, (2) real police work, and (3) ideal police work. Data were gathered through triangulated methods of Likert Scale questions, semantic differential rating scales, and openended interviews. Results revealed that although police participation in reality-TV genre programs is designed to increase public awareness of what police work is really like, such participation actually undermines the goal of promoting realistic public expectations of police work. Tables, notes, and 32 references