Documentary Deconstruction: Countryside Cops (BBC 1 Wales)

0:00 6:00
In the opening scenes we see a plethora of establishing shots
used as a means of setting the location. This enables the audience
to instantly relate, if they know the place, or to understand briefly
just from its appearance. In this we can see the policemen would
struggle with the rugged terrain and changing weather.
Using calm music in this section also highlights the tranquility of
the location. Later on in the documentary we see the music
transform and become fast paced; this helps to match the intensity
of the police work and surprise the audience as the may have previously assumed the work of
countryside policemen and women was lesser than that of a city police officer.
The change of camera shots helps to
illustrate the power of the police officer. This
is because we see him first in a medium shot
then the camera alters into a extreme wide
shot. As a result we can see the breadth of
the patch he has to protect. This further
reinforces the idea that he is a busy
officer.
The use of interviews is a pivotal
part in a documentary and this show
uses them also. By using a range of
people - police officers and local
people - it shows all sides of the
story. Framing them in their
respective jobs/homes reinforces the
informal nature and highlights the polices wide reaching circle,
no one is left unprotected.
The use of a narrator helps to illuminate and give background information of the documentarys
focus. As a result the audience can become fully engaged because the content or what the
interviewees are saying isnt too new. Also, not using a physical person on screen helps to keep
them engaged in the images or real life clips.
Using a variety of clips in the opening of this documentary is important to its success. This is
because it is showing an array of the police men's jobs. Also, using footage whilst out with the
police officers helps to reinforce the reality of the documentary, thus giving authenticity to what they
are saying the cops.
Later on in the clip the pace of the clip changes and this is illustrated by the differentiation in clip
pace. The policemen are pursuing a potential criminal and must move quickly. The camera
switches through a number of shot types like close up of the vehicle, long shot of the fugitive and
mid shot of them when they meet. This alteration reinforces a sense of danger or peril that we, as
the audience, may not expect. Paired with this is the fact that the officers have the most screen
time in the opening and this draws the attention on to them. As a result we grow to appreciate what
they do more.
In conclusion, all the previous elements help to alter the preconception that countryside police men
and women have an easy job. This is what I believe is the fundamental aim of the documentary
whilst also illuminating on the perils of living in remote environments. The target audience of this
documentary is likely to be adults as it was broad-casted at 10:40pm as well as the fact that the

content is quite factually based. From this programme I have learnt about the importance of using
a variety of shots. This not only keeps the show interesting but also helps the viewer see the action
from different sides, i.e the policemen or the locals. Furthermore, I have now become aware of the
relevance of interviews will real people as it gives authenticity to the documentarys content as well
as making it more engaging.