Drawing from examples, in what ways
are the police represented within the
mass media?
Component One
Jayne Price
Policing, crime and society: SO4309
Assessment number: J71263
Submission Date: 7th January
Word Count: 2198 words
Throughout the years, representations of the police within the mass media have been fragmented
, and fluctuant. Sir Robert Mark, commissioner of the metropolitan police during the 1970’s, once
referred to it as ‘an enduring, if not ecstatically happy, marriage’ (Newburn, 2008). This metaphor
captures both the co-dependence and indeed toxicity that exist within the police’s relationship with
the mass media. The police hold their relationship with the media in high regard, as a positive
portrayal of their role within society is crucial in maintaining public faith and acceptance. Media
coverage is highly influential on members of the public, particularly in today’s post-modern, media
saturated society in which many people rely wholly on media coverage to form their views and
opinions. Theories such as Laswell’s ‘hypodermic needle model’ reflect this, claiming that the media
injects messages into the minds of passive audience members, who will blindly absorb these
interpretations (Shaw, 1979). As a result of this, the police must be aware of the power that the
media hold and attempt to use this to their advantage. Similarly, stories of crime have always been
prominent within the mass media, with public interest rising every year, consequently, the media
depend on the police as key foundations for their content. Thus, it is also in the media’s interest to
maintain a healthy relationship with the police.
Throughout this assignment, I will explore how the media have portrayed the police between the
years of 1945 to the present day, the societal changes that led to these varying representations and
finally assess how their relationship with the mass media has presented both challenges and
advantages to their work.
During the post-war era of 1945-1950, media coverage regarding the police was extremely positive.
This reflected the way in which they were viewed throughout society at the time; based on their
tireless work responding to extra burdens brought by the war such as air raids and gas attacks. The
police became more centralised during this crucial time and additionally were the first port of call for
families searching for missing loved ones. As a consequence of such additional responsibilities, the
police became more present and visible within communities, resulting in strong public/police
relations. This came to be known as the ‘Golden age’ of policing. The positivity regarding the police
at the time was therefore reflected within the mass media, with evidence of positive portrayals
including the 1950 film ‘The Blue Lamp’, in which fictional character PC George Dixon was said to
embody the ‘quintessential, beloved British bobby’ (R, Reiner). Characters such as Dixon support the
view that the police began to emerge as ‘hero figures’ from the late 1940’s to the early 1950’s.
are the police represented within the
mass media?
Component One
Jayne Price
Policing, crime and society: SO4309
Assessment number: J71263
Submission Date: 7th January
Word Count: 2198 words
Throughout the years, representations of the police within the mass media have been fragmented
, and fluctuant. Sir Robert Mark, commissioner of the metropolitan police during the 1970’s, once
referred to it as ‘an enduring, if not ecstatically happy, marriage’ (Newburn, 2008). This metaphor
captures both the co-dependence and indeed toxicity that exist within the police’s relationship with
the mass media. The police hold their relationship with the media in high regard, as a positive
portrayal of their role within society is crucial in maintaining public faith and acceptance. Media
coverage is highly influential on members of the public, particularly in today’s post-modern, media
saturated society in which many people rely wholly on media coverage to form their views and
opinions. Theories such as Laswell’s ‘hypodermic needle model’ reflect this, claiming that the media
injects messages into the minds of passive audience members, who will blindly absorb these
interpretations (Shaw, 1979). As a result of this, the police must be aware of the power that the
media hold and attempt to use this to their advantage. Similarly, stories of crime have always been
prominent within the mass media, with public interest rising every year, consequently, the media
depend on the police as key foundations for their content. Thus, it is also in the media’s interest to
maintain a healthy relationship with the police.
Throughout this assignment, I will explore how the media have portrayed the police between the
years of 1945 to the present day, the societal changes that led to these varying representations and
finally assess how their relationship with the mass media has presented both challenges and
advantages to their work.
During the post-war era of 1945-1950, media coverage regarding the police was extremely positive.
This reflected the way in which they were viewed throughout society at the time; based on their
tireless work responding to extra burdens brought by the war such as air raids and gas attacks. The
police became more centralised during this crucial time and additionally were the first port of call for
families searching for missing loved ones. As a consequence of such additional responsibilities, the
police became more present and visible within communities, resulting in strong public/police
relations. This came to be known as the ‘Golden age’ of policing. The positivity regarding the police
at the time was therefore reflected within the mass media, with evidence of positive portrayals
including the 1950 film ‘The Blue Lamp’, in which fictional character PC George Dixon was said to
embody the ‘quintessential, beloved British bobby’ (R, Reiner). Characters such as Dixon support the
view that the police began to emerge as ‘hero figures’ from the late 1940’s to the early 1950’s.
