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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this show isn't suitable for kids. While it's interesting to see the types of calls that officers respond to, most of the footage is graphic and violent. Many of the calls involve prostitution, domestic violence, fights, robberies, and drug deals. Suspects sometimes fight back, which can be scary. Sometimes the cops use a lot of force, which can be upsetting. Suspects often use profanity, with the strongest words bleeped.

Families can talk about whether or not they think this is a fair representation of a police officer's job. Could every day on the job be this dangerous or exciting or outrageous? Do you think the officers and suspects would act differently if they weren't being followed by the cameras? Why has this show remained so popular for so long?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Common Sense Media

COPS, one of the longest running shows on TV and considered one of the first reality shows, follows police officers from across the country as they perform their jobs. A camera crew accompanies the officers as they respond to calls, and the action results from the often violent and bizarre encounters that the officers have once they arrive at the crime scene.

Much of the show's appeal comes from getting a peek into the daily life of a police officer. However, the glimpse we're given isn't appropriate for kids. The calls that are chosen for each episode are selected for their shock value, and it's hard not to be shocked by much of the footage: drunk brawls, domestic arguments, and armed criminals that fight back. Crime scenes can be bloody, and suspects and officers often get seriously injured.

At times it seems that both suspects and officers are performing for the cameras, so it's hard to tell how "real" these scenes are.

A recent episode featured an armed suspect on the run, a bloody trailer park brawl, and a domestic violence call. Unless your teen is considering a career in law enforcement, there doesn't seem to be much reason to expose your kids to this show.

Fans of this show may want to check out the classic police drama from the 1990's, NYPD Blue, or Reno 911!, the Cops' parody on Comedy Central.

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Content
		CS	adults	kids
Sexual Content Suspects are sometimes naked (their bodies are blurred). Officers often arrest prostitutes.
Violence Lots of domestic violence. Fights, stabbings, robberies, car chases, etc. Sometimes the officers use lots of force, and suspects occasionally fight back.
Language Lots of profanity, with the worst bleeped.
Message
	Social Behavior The officers usually act admirably, but sometimes they seem to be showing off for the cameras. We see officers and suspects of all races and both sexes.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Alcohol and drugs play a role in many of the crimes.

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