NCJ Number
142022
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 19-32
Date Published
1993
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes the origins of the popular British television crime program, Crimewatch UK, and its links with both the police and the public in solving crimes.
Abstract
Crimewatch emerged in the mid-1980's at a time characterized by concern with law and order politics under Prime Minister Thatcher. The program has a well-established formula of socially useful popular television that offers the public an opportunity to do something about crime. Crimewatch's selection criteria put it firmly in the camp of popular journalism and relate closely to the need to hold a large audience; the program emphasizes murder, sexual crime, and violent robbery. Crimewatch has broken new ground in British television's cooperation with the police; the production team is given an unusual measure of access to the details of cases under investigation. Further, in encouraging audience participation, Crimewatch has sought to develop a new relationship between the police and the viewing public by its attempt to mobilize public response. This shift has now been emulated by other programs, such as Crimestoppers and Crime Monthly. 26 references