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This is the City
A couple of notes: Portions of this essay were previously published. This essay is the first in a series exploring the police as a topic for television, film, podcasts, and web series.
A s a criminologist and longtime cop, it might come as no surprise that I watch and listen to a lot of police procedurals. Whether on television, film, podcast or classic radio reruns, I love a good crime drama. I am aware this proclivity makes me the carpenter who’s transfixed by episodes of This Old House. Yes, it is the proverbial busman’s holiday.
I try to share aspects of this passion with students in my policing classes. More often than not, my attempts only illustrate the generational and cultural literacy gap between us.
I find myself asking questions like ‘Who has ever seen the Jack Webb show, Dragnet?’ Nothing… blank stares and dead silence.
‘How about Dirty Harry?’ If there’s a male student in class who happens to be a cop, they typically respond, but few others. Inquiries about Serpico, The French Connection, Hill Street Blues, Adam-12, Bullitt, The Wire… garner similar reception.
I decided these references may be too far removed. ‘How about Law and Order?’ Many more hands go up. ‘CSI?’ almost all hands ascend. ‘True Detective?’ a full house.
