Police procedural facts for kids

A police procedural is a type of crime story. In these stories, the main characters are usually police officers. The story often shows how they work together as a team to solve crimes. They use their special knowledge about criminals and the area where they work, like a city or a town.

Police procedurals have always been very popular on television. Some well-known TV shows of this type include Dragnet, Law & Order, Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue, and The Shield. These shows give viewers a look into the step-by-step process of police investigations.

What is a Police Procedural?

A police procedural is different from other crime stories. Instead of focusing on a single detective or a thrilling chase, it shows the detailed, realistic steps police take. This includes everything from finding clues to interviewing witnesses. It's like watching a puzzle being solved piece by piece by a group of skilled people.

How Police Officers Solve Crimes

In these stories, police officers use many methods to solve crimes. They often start by securing a crime scene. This means making sure no one touches or changes anything important. Then, they look for evidence. Evidence can be anything from fingerprints to a tiny piece of cloth.

• Collecting Evidence: Officers carefully collect things like fingerprints, DNA, and other physical clues. These clues can help them identify who committed the crime.
• Interviewing Witnesses: They talk to people who saw what happened or know something about the crime. Getting information from witnesses is a big part of their job.
• Using Technology: Modern police procedurals often show officers using advanced technology. This can include forensic science labs, computer databases, and surveillance cameras.
• Teamwork: Solving a crime is rarely a one-person job. Police procedurals highlight how different police units work together. This might include detectives, patrol officers, and forensic experts.

The Importance of Realism

One of the main goals of a police procedural is to be realistic. Writers and producers often do a lot of research. They talk to real police officers and visit police stations. This helps them show how police work is really done. This realism makes the stories feel more believable and exciting for viewers.

Showing the Daily Life of Police

These stories don't just focus on the big crime. They also show the everyday challenges and routines of police officers. This can include their training, their relationships with colleagues, and the rules they must follow. It helps viewers understand the lives of these public servants.

Popular Police Procedural TV Shows

Many TV shows have become famous for being great police procedurals. They have entertained millions of viewers for decades.

• Dragnet (1951-1959, 1967-1970): This was one of the earliest and most influential police procedurals. It was known for its serious tone and focus on police methods. The show often used real case files as inspiration.
• Hill Street Blues (1981-1987): This show was praised for its gritty, realistic portrayal of police work. It showed the daily lives of officers in a busy city precinct. It won many awards for its writing and acting.
• Law & Order (1990-present): This long-running series is famous for its "ripped from the headlines" stories. It often shows both the police investigation and the legal process in court. There are many spin-off shows in the Law & Order universe.
• NYPD Blue (1993-2005): This show was known for its strong characters and intense storylines. It explored the personal and professional lives of detectives in New York City.
• The Shield (2002-2008): This series was darker and more complex. It showed a special police unit trying to reduce crime in a tough neighborhood. It explored difficult choices and moral questions.

These shows, and many others, have helped define what a police procedural is. They continue to be a popular type of story for people of all ages.