Street Patrol
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Another police docu that's too violent for kids.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
STREET PATROL, which is produced by the creators of Cops, is a reality series that follows patrol officers across the country as they keep the streets safe. Cameras film them attending warrant briefings, investigating domestic disturbances, participating in car chases, and making arrests. Officers offer simplified explanations of what they're doing, as well as what techniques they use to catch suspects.
Is It Any Good?
The police officers featured in this series are risking their lives to keep the streets safe, but they often seem to be playing to the cameras when arrests are made. Meanwhile, like many other police shows, Street Patrol offers a somewhat stereotypical view of those who allegedly engage in criminal activity, consistently showing suspects who appear to be poor, seemingly uneducated, and/or a member of a minority group.
Adding to this are the violent, graphic images of suspects being held at gunpoint, various illegal drugs, and murder victims with visible bloody wounds. Angry suspects, many of whom are clearly under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, spew profanity at the officers. While some older teens and adults may find these events entertaining, it's not an age-appropriate choice for younger viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how law enforcement is portrayed in the media. Do you think police officers' days are as exciting or dangerous as they appear on shows like this? Do these shows make you feel safer or more vulnerable to violent crime? Families can also discuss how the media can present stereotypical images of people. Why do the majority of suspects on police shows appear to be from lower income areas or people of color? What kind of message does this send to viewers?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 8, 2008
- Network: MyNetworkTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 1, 2022
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