To gain access to the formerly taboo backstage regions of police work, media production companies offer police officials full editorial control of the footage that is ultimately broadcast. They offer this control because they want dramatic footage and cannot obtain it without the cooperation of the police. At the same time, police are now thoughtfully orchestrating media presentations of their work that is relevant both for themselves and for the television- watching public. Thus, these reality programs ensure that a police-based world view is circulated. However, a truly police-based understanding of the crime problem is distinct from the portrayal of crime on reality television. In reality, police officers rarely use their weapons; most often, they provide assistance to people in difficult situations. Other kinds of crime coverage, such as the Rodney King, Court TV, and the O.J. Simpson trial, are eroding the dramaturgical facade of crime fighter. We are now at a turning point in the dramaturgical history of policing, although police continue to regard image as their main problem. 10 references