Introduction to the Critical Investigation

Why is the representation of the police on television programmes such as 'road war' and 'police, camera, Action!' over sensationalised?

Summary: In my opinion, I think the main reason why the representation of the police on television programmes are over sensationalised is because it makes police officers seem powerful, sustain high status and look more successful. This is important for society because it gives police more authority over everyone. we as an audience would be too naïve to believe the sensationalised representation of the Police is for entertainment purposes only. The ruling class (marxist) has used the ideological state apparatus to control the audience on a subconscious level by offering a sensationalist representation of the Police as tactical and efficient at catching criminals. This sensationalised representation then causes criminals to think twice about committing crimes.

The stereotypical representation of the police on tv is that they are never wrong, always do the right thing and are trustworthy. Of Course, we all know what we see on programmes doesn't always show us the full picture as it's mediated however, noting that these programmes also contain some elements of truth.

This stereotypical representation may exist because we, as the audience, have high expectation of the police; to keep our society in good forms as pupil feel safer and more protected from the danger that society may bring - as they are portrayed as being powerful and mainly win. For example, the London riot- people began to lose faith in the law but then the police regained control. Moreover, an alternative representation of the police may be that they are bent officers, they commit crime and aren't helpful. The key media concept and theories could be covered in this critical investigation is Stuart hall which talks about moral panic and Mulvey which talks about stereotype- media over-exaggerate.