Hangin’ With The Police

Of all the different types of television programs, one of the most popular types is the procedural crime drama. I’ve noticed a trend in these TV shows and that it seems to be perfectly okay for untrained civilians to hang out in police precincts and accompany the police in whatever investigation they are involved with. While I am familiar with the concept of the police ride along, a practice where civilians (usually writers or other individuals doing research) accompany an officer on a general day of work, I doubt such a practice can be considered open ended with an all access pass.

The show that most inspired this blog entry is ABC’s Castle, starring Nathan Fillion (Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly). He plays Richard Castle, an eccentric mystery novelist, who is inspired to base his latest book (series of books as the show progresses) on an actual police officer, Detective Kate Beckett, played by the gorgeous Stana Katic. While initially seen as a burden, Castle actually becomes a valuable part of Detective Beckett’s team, often supplying the last vital piece of information that solves the case. While the show explains Castle’s presence by claiming he is a celebrity with many connections (specifically the mayor of New York) one would assume there would be some restraints placed on his access to police records. There are scenes in this show where Castle, a complete civilian, is not only walking through crime scenes but also handling (or as police would say, contaminating) evidence. While not a police office, he acts as if he has the same authority as any man with a badge. And rather than getting in the way of the police, the show is written with Castle’s unofficial position actually being a benefit to the investigation.

But the character of Richard Castle is by no means unique on Television. I daresay he is but one of MANY consultants who seem to be extended the same privileges as an actual police officer to meet out justice. The Mentalist, Psych, Elementary, Monk, Bones, all are shows that have a non-cop interfering and often times solving crimes alongside the police, with no objection to police procedure being ignored. The Mentalist is a not a cop, he’s a con artist, who uses his amazing powers of observation to mimic psychic ability. Psych does the same, albeit in a more humorous manner. Monk WAS a cop but left the force after the death of his wife. He still is brought in by the police to consult on difficult cases, which he is able to solve despite his many personality disorders. Elementary is a modern update of Sherlock Holmes, who although famous for being a detective, has no license as such. Bones is about a doctor brought in by the FBI to examine remains, but ends up going far beyond simply examining remains.

My simple point is that none of those people are police officers. They are doctors or psychics or just really really smart, but not a trained officer of the law. Police officers have to undergo training and learn specific procedures for entering a crime scene. They have to read a person their rights before they bring them into custody. They learn what is an acceptable and unacceptable level of force for apprehending a suspect. They also have been given permission to deal out such force. Ordinary citizens cannot tackle a person to the ground and handcuff them without some form of reprimand (don’t believe me? Try it). And that is what all the above individuals are. They are ordinary citizens. Despite their expertise or unique ability, they are not law enforcement officers, no matter how much their contribution assists the police.

Police are responsible for keeping order in our society. We trust in their exclusive ranks to be a special breed. To give police privileges to nonpolice officers is an invitation to chaos.