Police Women of Memphis

TV review by Anne Louise Bannon, Common Sense Media
Police Women of Memphis Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Women cops show the down and dirty side of Memphis.

TLC Reality TV 2010
Rate TV

Parents say

age 15+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 1 review

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv

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 suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a show about real police work, with all that encompasses: There are stories of domestic abuse, theft, drugs, prostitution -- and while we seldom see the crime in action, we do get to see some of the least appealing sides of the issue, including a man who soils himself in a squad car and a young boy who has been shot (with a close look at the entrance wound). The language is strong: Words like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped and sometimes obscured. Finally, there are some subtle differences in the way different races are presented in the show, which could send some troubling messages to viewers.

Community Reviews

Gerald C.
Gerald C. Adult
December 27, 2017
age 13+

Music very distracting

I love the show and hate the music that is always playing and is so loud you cannot understand what anyone on the show is saying. Get rid of the unnecessary music or at least turn the volume of the music way down.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
CorruptPoliceShow S.
CorruptPoliceShow S. Adult
October 25, 2017
age 14+

WHAT A JOKE

Okay, so let's just begin by stating the officers in use are the "good-looking" female officers, which is BS and the first clear sign of money hungry producers, being/showing fake material, and not having the integrity of having REAL, AUTHENTIC material. Also, after watching several episodes, there's definitely a strong feeling and suspicion of scenes and events being overly dramatized, even to points of what, at times, even appears like people being set-up by objects, paraphernalia, etc., Just to make the show more interesting and have more material. This show does not seem 100% authentic (obviously some of it has to be), and serves as a possible reminder as to just how far producers and the law enforcement in combination may go for popularity and reviews. TV and law-enforcment is a dangerous mix. The only cop-themed show that seems legit these days is the show COPS. This show is a scary bust.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TLC has the camera on another set of women cops, and the show is pretty much the usual collection of busts, dopey crooks, domestic tragedy, and all the other human drama that makes up police work. In one scene, a young teen is found shot in a field -- a heart-wrenching disovery for both cops and viewers. In another, a young man is arrested for vandalizing his mother's house. The cops do their best to be fair and protect the city of Memphis from criminals.

Is It Any Good?

What makes this version of women cops more engaging than others is the women themselves. Officer Joy Jefferson is, literally, a joy to watch. She's tough when she has to be, but she prefers connecting with the people in the area she patrols. Alas, there's not enough of Joy to make up for the fact that not much else about this show is particularly unique.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how real the show is. What clues exist that shows not everything onscreen reflects what really happened?

  • How does the show present police work? Does it encourage women to become cops? Why does the show focus on the female officers?

  • Did you notice a difference in how the show presents different races? If so, what did you notice?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: May 27, 2010
  • Network: TLC
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: February 25, 2022

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate