Police work: most emotionally dangerous job in the world
Cynthia Brown, publisher of American Police Beat with Joseph Wambaugh in 2009 at a fundraiser for the National Law Enforcement Museum. The event was hosted by then LAPD Chief Bill Bratton, the Los Angeles Police Dept., the Los Angeles Police Protective League and American Police Beat. Joe Wambaugh, along with Steven Bochco, creator of Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue, were the recipients of the “Chief’s Award for Creative Excellence.”
The New York Times’ Daniel Engber’s takes a look back at a couple of old police shows – “Dragnet” and “Police Story” comparing them with the programs of today like “The Wire” and “Law and Order.” Check out his interview with Joseph Wambaugh – author of 21 books and the creator of “Police Story.”
Joseph Wambaugh says: “On “Dragnet,” Jack Webb tried to get away from guns and car chases. Sure, they minimized the gun play — that was good. But “Dragnet” was sanitized police work. At L.A.P.D., there was a police sergeant who was working in the chief’s office, a wonderful guy. He approved or censored every script that Jack Webb came up with. You weren’t seeing the cops with all their vulnerability and flaws and sins. On “Police Story” were getting right into the marrow of their bones. We did shows about PTSD, depression, premature cynicism. At 22 years old, these guys become world-weary cynics. It’s dangerous! Police work isn’t the most physically dangerous job in the world; it’s the most emotionally dangerous.”
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