Framing the Criminal Justice System Part I: The Police
This week we discussed how police and policing have typically been framed across various
media outlets over the years.
In this week’s Thought Paper:
Reflect on (and perhaps revisit) the last television show or film that you watched (or
simply choose a personal favorite of yours) in which members of the police/law
enforcement were featured as prominent characters (either in a work of fiction or in a true
crime/documentary capacity).
Critically assess and discuss specifically how law enforcement officials are being
portrayed in this film/series based on what we discussed in lecture this week. For
instance, what traits, characteristics, flaws, tendencies, strengths, weaknesses, etc. do
these characters seem to have? Are they heroes or villains or somewhere in between?
Why does it matter?
Discuss what you believe audiences are ‘supposed” to see in or feel about these characters
and the law enforcement agencies they represent. That is, what deeper themes or
messages or functions do these characters potentially serve or speak to?