Relevance of CHiP's today...

[enyawd72]

With all the anti-police sentiment that seems rampant right now...the protests and riots, got me to thinking how important shows like CHiP's were back in the day, and how they need more shows like it now.

I always found CHiP's to be unique among other cop shows because it wasn't always about chasing down some bad guy, but more helping people in need during accidents and other crisis. I don't think any other show in history portrayed the police in a more realistic and positive light.

[jimsmegos]

That's a very good point. Our modern pop culture is so cynical in regards to figures of authority that it's honestly no surprise how easy it is for folks to turn on our law enforcement.

While you personally have never had a bad encounter with a cop, or even know one personally but... "that SOB on TV last night was a real ****** bag to (insert fictional character of your choice here)!"

Propaganda goes many different ways.

[HardyGirl]

Very true. Ponch and Jon weren't just on their cycles giving tickets, they helped kids be safe on skateboards and go-carts, raised money for charity, were animal advocates, weren't afraid to to try new things like jet skiing, and best of all...I can actually sit down and watch this w/ kids I babysit b/c they never used a gun. They found peaceful ways to solve problems which is a timeless lesson for all people.

[Mikey]

I love CHiPs, but realistically I think they do too much stuff that LAPD would normally do.

[johnnystorm]

I think a positive show like that would be a welcome addition, but I can't see them giving up chases and gunfights for accident control and looking for lost dogs. Even a show like COPS is based around turmoil and domestic issues.
If someone could figure out a way to do a modern version off Adam-12 or Emergency, positively portraying law enforcement, it would do a lot for the "public image". Look at what Emergency did for the paramedic programs.

I put "public image" in quotes, as I think a lot of that image is created by the media to sell their product. I think in general the people like and respect the police. Just look at the support to the Pa State Police given during the Eric Frein manhunt. Is the whole country anti-cop? I don't think so. Are there bad apples out there? Sure. But it's just like an airplane crash. Nobody talks about the 500 planes that landed safely that day. Just as no one talks about the 500 arrests that happened without incident.

[Nostalgiabuff]

I have had my share of bad encounters with police, mostly when I was younger. but I also have friends who are or were police so I see both sides. i think like in any profession there are good and bad examples. I also believe that some people become cops because they like having power over others

[Mikey]

I also believe that some people become cops because they like having power over others

I would say MOST people that become cops (not counting a very beloved by all MM member).

IMO it takes a special kinda person that wants to strong-arm people and beat heads legally for a living.

Cops always say their job is soooo dangerous ---- I know a ton of iron workers who literally risk life and limb everyday --- and they get by without beating heads and/or killing people they don't like.

Hey police, try walking a 6" beams 10 stories up everyday and tell me if it's more dangerous than busting cigarette sellers ?

[YoungOnce]

Eh, i have a few friends who work in law enforcement and from what I see, there motivations are sincere. I guess we all could provide anecdotal evidence one way or the other. I would guess that the ratio of good cops/bad cops is no different than good teachers/bad teachers or any other profession. Or race. I don't hold the actions of a few opportunistic arsonists and looters as evidence that every protestor is a thug.

Too, I would guess that there are about as many cop shows on tv now as there ever were and the characters seem to be positively portrayed more or less. So to me, there is something else in the air other than a lack of positive role models.
That said, I like me some CHIPS...

[TrekStar]

I have mixed feelings on this subject, after graduating high school, I took the Police exam, because I wanted to help
those who couldn't help or fully protect themselves, I passed getting 96 questions right out of 100, but never got the
invite to the academy, so went on to other things. A Police Officers motto is, "to serve and protect" but that also
applies to them as well, especially in the Ferguson Mussori case. But there's no doubt that some cops think they
have the right to abuse there power just because they wear a badge. With all the recent goings on concerning
people and the police, it's like the 60's all over again, and sooner or later we will start to see the National Guard
step in, especially in some of these certain communities.

[J.B.]

Something tells me this thread is 1 or 2 strong comments away from being locked. Let's go back to its true intentions:

"Am I still relevant today? Have you heard of a little show called The Walking Dead?"

[TrekStar]

"Hey" J.B. your absolutely right, one comment can get you easily off the intended subject, CHIPS was a cool show
of course or Mego would have never made them, I also liked Adam 12 and Hill Street Blues, as cop shows go.

[Spawn67]

2 of my favorite shows as kids were CHIPS and THE DUKES OF HAZZARD.
Looking back and Ive thought about this through the years. On CHIPS the cops were good guys and on the DUKES OF HAZZARD the cops were the bad guys. Kind of ironic isn't it.