The Emotional Safety of Television in Real Life Television shows about real-life police officers, such as COPS and LAPD: Life on the Beat, give viewers a glimpse intimate and up- a close look at life as seen through the eyes of the determined police officers who patrol our streets. The cameras capture real footage of police officers working to expose and combat drugs, gangs, prostitution and murder, as well as other criminal injustices. As people watch the episodes, they root for the "good guys" and hate the "bad guys", hoping that the police will eventually arrest the criminals. Society wants to see criminals arrested because people feel helpless and scared in a world overflowing with violence. As a result, real-life television shows draw viewers in by playing on their anxieties and giving them a sense of hope that the police can make America a safer place. Statistics reveal that since 1960, crime rates have increased substantially from 1,620 per 100,000 people to 4,593. per 100,000 people in 1995.(1) These data illustrate the degeneration of society's "security blanket." In the United States, people no longer feel as safe as they used to. They have become more vulnerable than ever to random acts of violence. Crime is ubiquitous, striking at the hearts of Americans when they least expect it, robbing them of their health, property, and loved ones. As a result, society has lost confidence and certainty that the roads remain safe. Americans have become concerned about their safety knowing that "eight out of ten Americans are at risk of being a victim of crime in their lifetime."(2) Furthermore, their confidence and hope for a safer future has eroded. The high percentage and presence of crime has instilled......middle of paper......country. COPS, LAPD: Life on the Beat and other real-life television shows play on this insecurity and capture the attention of discouraged people. These programs provide people with a sense of emotional security by broadcasting episodes in which the police arrest criminals. They do not guarantee that crime rates will decrease or convey the message that people will never be affected by crime. However, real-life television shows of serving police officers offer people an emotional escape from the dangers of America. They give society a sense of hope that police can still fight crime and create a safer America. Crime Forum: "The Future of the American Dream" Internet: "http://crime-free.org/dream.html" Paragraph 2. March 27, 19972. Crime Forum: "The Future of the American Dream" Internet: "http: / /crime-free.org/dream.html" Paragraph 3. March 27, 1997