The Police as Societal Moral Agents: "Procedural Justice" and the Analysis of Police Fiction

This study analyzes the depiction of the procedural fairness with which police officers in fictional police shows exercise their authority. This study uses the relational model of procedural justice to examine whether and to what extent police officers in CSI Miami, NCIS, Without a Trace, and The Mentalist provide opportunities for participation for citizens and act in a trustworthy, respectful, and neutral manner. Results show that fictional police officers generally follow fair procedures, but sometimes break the rules. We argue that the context in which most cases of rule-breaking occur strengthens, rather than undermines, police officers' position as societal moral agents. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Publication year:2012

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CSS-citation score:1

Authors from:Higher Education

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