Parents' Guide to Sound of the Police

Movie NR 2023 85 minutes
Sound of the Police movie poster: A white background with the back of a young African American man facing the camera while on his knees and both hands raised in the air, positioned near a black outline of a human being's body and four yellow bullet markers ,wearing a light and dark-colored hoodie, dark jeans, and dark-colored work boots and the film's title in red letters and credit and release date information in gray, black, and green lettering

Common Sense Media Review

Sabrina McFarland By Sabrina McFarland , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Docu examines racism in U.S. police; language; violence.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Still from Sound of the Police: Amir Locke, the African American man killed by police in Minnesota, looking to the left and smiling, wearing a hoop earring in his left ear
  • Still from Sound of the Police: Ron Adams, a Black community organizer holding a microphone and addressing an audience at Minneapolis City Hall after the death of Amir Locke by police in 2022, surrounded by BIPOC and White activists carrying signs that read "Justice for Amir Locke," and wearing black knit cap, dark green hoodie, and brownish-orange vest jacket
  • Still from Sound of the Police: A White police officer (right) searches a Black man for firearms at a Chicago police station in 1922, while surrounded by other law enforcement officials, with individuals wearing business and police attire that includes caps, white shirts, and dark pants

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What's the Story?

In SOUND OF THE POLICE, the documentary examines allegations of systemic racism demonstrated by police officers against African Americans in the United States. Firsthand interviews with experts and family members, as well as archival footage and photos, provide past and present-day evidence and offer possible ways to end such injustice.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Black filmmaker Stanley Nelson (Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy) exhibits a well-researched look at the often tumultuous relationship between African Americans and the U.S. police force. The commentary in Sound of the Police by experts such as activists, historians, and professors, as well as personal anecdotes, continues to shed a major spotlight on this timely topic.

LeRonne Armstrong, the Black chief of police in Oakland, California, recalls his own story as a teen. At age 13 and in a car driven by his uncle while en route to his grandfather's home to celebrate Christmas, they were "pulled over for what appeared to us for no reason." Released without any citation, Armstrong believes they were stopped "because of how we look." But according to Black historian Jelani Cobb, "it's not simply a question of the prejudices of police, it's an issue of the prejudices of society that the police function in."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the communication shared by the cast in Sound of the Police. How do they also demonstrate compassion, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

  • In the film, a Black parent mentions their kids have to be taught that the world looks at them differently. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

  • Does the U.S police system need reform? Why, or why not? Can you offer possible suggestions?

  • The documentary also addresses the portrayal of law enforcement in popular culture. What are your thoughts about the depiction of police officers on television and in the movies?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Sound of the Police movie poster: A white background with the back of a young African American man facing the camera while on his knees and both hands raised in the air, positioned near a black outline of a human being's body and four yellow bullet markers ,wearing a light and dark-colored hoodie, dark jeans, and dark-colored work boots and the film's title in red letters and credit and release date information in gray, black, and green lettering

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