Top 10 Documentaries About Police Work

Description: This groundbreaking documentary by Errol Morris investigates the case of Randall Dale Adams, who was wrongfully convicted for the murder of a Dallas police officer. It's a compelling exploration of justice, truth, and the impact of police work on individuals' lives.

Fact: The film's title refers to the concept of police as a thin line between order and chaos. It played a significant role in Adams' eventual release from prison.

Description: Although a narrative film, it's included for its documentary-like portrayal of the daily lives of two LAPD officers, offering a raw look at the dangers and camaraderie of police work.

Fact: The film was shot in a cinéma vérité style, giving it a documentary feel.

Description: This documentary focuses on Michael Dowd, a corrupt NYPD officer in the 75th Precinct of Brooklyn during the 1980s. It delves into how he and his partner became some of the most notorious cops in New York City history.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Dowd himself, providing a firsthand account of his descent into corruption.

Description: Although not solely about police, this documentary uses archival footage to recount the 1992 Los Angeles riots, highlighting the role of the LAPD in the events leading up to and during the riots.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This film provides an inside look at the Oakland Police Department, focusing on Chief Sean Whent's efforts to reform the department amidst allegations of corruption and excessive force.

Fact: The documentary was filmed over three years, capturing both the highs and lows of police reform efforts.

Description: While not strictly about police, this documentary follows former gang members and ex-cons who work to prevent violence in Chicago, often in collaboration with law enforcement. It offers a unique perspective on community policing and violence prevention.

Fact: The film was directed by Steve James, known for his work on "Hoop Dreams."

Description: This film examines the War on Drugs from the perspective of law enforcement, showing how it has disproportionately affected communities of color and led to mass incarceration.

Fact: It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This series, while focusing on a specific case, delves into the relationship between law enforcement, the justice system, and the community, highlighting issues of police conduct and investigation methods.

Fact: It became one of Netflix's most-watched documentaries, sparking widespread discussion on the ethics of policing and the justice system.

Description: While focusing on the criminal justice system, this documentary includes significant segments on policing practices and their historical roots in racial inequality.

Fact: The title refers to the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery except as punishment for a crime.

Description: This documentary explores the culture of silence within police departments, focusing on the case of a New York City detective who was ostracized for exposing corruption within the force.

Fact: The film sheds light on the "blue wall of silence," a term used to describe the unwritten rule among police officers not to report on a colleague's errors, misconducts, or crimes.