ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the image of crime, criminals, victims, and police on reality-based crime shows. The analysis is divided into two parts. First, the types of crimes portrayed, as well as their typical resolution, are briefly examined. Demographic characteristics of suspects, victims, and police officers are also summarized. The second portion of the analysis compares the depiction of domestic and nondomestic assaults on these programs. The chapter also examines the presentation of domestic violence cases in light of the myths and stereotypes. It offers an exploratory analysis of two reality-based police shows: "Cops" and "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol". While "Cops" utilizes clips of live film footage as viewers are invited to ride along with officers, "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol" combines reenactments of dramatic cases with eyewitness interviews and some live footage. "Cops" and "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol" are representative of a new genre of police program, a modification of the crime show.
