Use 'Police Camera Action!' as an example of 'crime in the media' and explain what research methods (from the list below) were used to gain the...

The reality UK show Police Camera Action! is the UK variant of the US reality show "COPS". In both shows there are several ways to research crime as a way to educate the media about a typical day in a police station.

Participant and non participant observation- This technique is used by observing the criminals in action either during a chase, or while they are getting arrested by other officers in the act. Non-participant observation is the observations made on the family members, friends, or other witnesses that are at the scene. These are usually who speak to the camera while the arrest takes place.

Face to Face interviews occur during questioning. This is not the same as an interrogation, however, because the latter is often an offical request from the police department. During face to face interviews, the police are often seen asking the suspect questions as to what they are doing at the moment, and where are they heading. These interviews give lots of hints to the police officer as to when and how to arrest a person.

Although questionnaires are not often seen in the show, it is assumed that the surveys and questions asked to witnesses as to who perpetrated their homes, or who are their primary suspects could count as an informal questionnaire. Police reports and charge come in the form of questionnaires for the people to fill. However, these are just assumptions, as the show does not spend enough time in this area- presumably they do this behind the cameras.

The use of official statistics is sometimes used in the show to provide background information on a specific criminal trend, so that the audience can appreciate the depth of importance of the arrest or investigation at hand. These statistics, however, are mostly given solely for extra information and not as a basis to conduct a new investigation. Not for the show, anyways.

Using these four techniques, the cameras were able to catch them in practice, allowing the public to be a part of the action by becoming witnesses of the actions and duties of the police through reality television.