Product Details

• Actors: Charles Rydell, Anthony Bouza
• Directors: Alan Raymond, Susan Raymond
• Producers: Alan Raymond, Susan Raymond, Carol Brandenburg, David R. Loxton
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Docurama
• DVD Release Date: June 27, 2006
• Run Time: 88 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000FBFZ2C
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,777 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "The Police Tapes" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

South Bronx, New York. 1976. During one of the most chaotic periods in New York City's history, two filmmakers ride along with the police to document a city wracked by rape, gang warfare, murder, arson and petty revenge. Winner of three Emmys, a Peabody and the duPont Award, THE POLICE TAPES is a harrowing, real-life autopsy of the dangerous nighttime work of beat cops as they try to contain a community coming unraveled. In dramatically raw scenes, the officers of the 44th precinct let the camera "in on every secret of society," capturing explosive footage of a hostage situation, gangs strutting brazenly down the street, and murders impossible to solve. At the squad station and in the patrol car, cops speak candidly about their frustrations and fears in policing violent, crime-ravaged neighborhoods filled with angry, downtrodden people. From Hill Street Blues to Cops, the immediate and uncensored style of directors Alan and Susan Raymond influences a generation of police drama and reality shows. Perceptive and probing, THE POLICE TAPES is genius verité--a harrowing peek into the dark underbelly of society. DVD Features: Interview with the Filmmakers; Filmmaker Biographies; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Police Tapes" (PBS), August 7, 2006

By 

J. Fay "ten13" (NYC, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Police Tapes (DVD)

The "Police Tapes" was one of the first of its kind 'reality show,' which focused on the New York City Police Department in the Bronx, in the then-notorious 44th Precinct. It was done duing the 1970s in the South Bronx, in a police precinct that was not as well-known as the infamous 41st Precinct "Fort Apache," which was about two miles to the east of the 44 Precinct, but was suffering from the same human degradation as the 41 Precinct and the rest of the so-called South Bronx.

The Bronx Borough Commander at that time was Chief Tony Bouza, who was known for his articulate explanation of the 'theater of the absured' which was the Bronx. In his dialogue on the tape, Bouza attempts to put into real terms the issues which are affecting the Bronx...and the cops themselves...at that time, to the point where he says that maybe he shouldn't do such a good job, in order to let the problems be more exposed to the rest of the country.

This was to become one of the first of what was several TV shows and documentaries about the "South Bronx," which became a "city" forced to wallow in its own misery for years after the Police Tapes were made, despite its notoriety and the promises of many politicians.

The lack of 21st Century video technology shows, but enhances what you see.

Nothing like what was the "South Bronx" will ever happen again.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True Crime- Gritty!, November 30, 2009

By 

Lawrence Du Lac (New York) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Police Tapes (DVD)

Want to know what police work was really like in the South Bronx in the 1970's? This is the video for you! What's ironic is that while the buildings change, people's emotions do not. Cops today face the same trials and tribulations as yester year! Buy the video, and enjoy the video!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Was A South Bronx Cop, February 26, 2009

By 

John Rowland (Boynton Beach, Florida USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Police Tapes (DVD)

I did South Bronx cop patrol in many commands including the 44 so know the so accuracy of The Police Tapes.Did three gunbattles 1969-70 46 Command and got a Japanese bayonet souvenir off a wild gun run in 44 where we kicked in a apartment door. Al Aaronson the great Daily News crime photograper was snapping us as we kicked in the door.So wow yes " The Police Tapes " is so vivid accurate. Viewing it literaly felt I was back on South Bronx patrol emotionally. The Police Tapes will be a true eye opener for lay folk but us South Bronx cops we only knew we wanted action and we found it.

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