A Glimpse into an Era Lacking Officer Accountability

I used to occasionally tune into this show during its initial airing, but often changed channels due to the officers' harsh and antagonizing treatment of arrestees. My ethical concerns about exploiting individuals in vulnerable situations for entertainment were a constant conflict. Re-watching the show in 2023-2024 reveals a noticeable contrast, showcasing progress in holding law enforcement accountable and agencies prioritizing de-escalation tactics, treating citizens more humanely.

Before the era of body cams, these shows were our only glimpse into such incidents, dependent on agency cooperation, often leading to narratives favoring the agency and neglecting the suspects' side. In one episode, a man sharing his assault incident by a cop was asked what he did because a cop would never just put their hands on someone for no reason....which we know to not be true.

Other scenarios include instances of disdain towards a gay men, hostility in language barrier incidents, aggressive treatment for minor offenses, and officers manufacturing narratives by intentionally escalating to violence. Any attempts to de-escalate seem to only follow intentional escalations to capture sound/video bites. Even in non-escalating scenarios, officers interviewing suspects come across as condescending...and extremely insensitive. In one episode woman arrested for prostitution informed the officer she had lice, scabies, and was positive for hepatitis...and she told the officer she was letting her know in case they needed to follow any particular medical procedures. The officer questioned the lady in a manner that left the women in tears and accusing the officer if trying to humiliate her and make her feel guilty. The officer escorted the woman through the crowded jail lobby loudly responding "you're out there working the streets, you're tough, you're the one out there throwing these things around."

In today's era of body cams, the question arises: Is it ethical to exploit these incidents for entertainment without intent to improve our systems and the lives of the most vulnerable? My instinct is "no"...but at the same time, body cams seem to have influenced a more equitable application of the laws and those featured in the videos include a more diverse array of people rather than just the vulnerable population we see featured in these shows.

The reality TV genre, short for "reality television," features real-life situations, events, and interactions, often involving ordinary people rather than actors performing scripted roles. Reality TV shows aim to capture unscripted and authentic moments, providing viewers with a glimpse into various aspects of human life, behavior, and experiences.

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Alex Cox, Ruben Barela, Heather Ashley Chase, Andrew Fincher, Michael Roberts, and Ryan Mann in Cops (1989)

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