Introduction

On March 11th, the documentary Guarding Liberation West 3, co-produced by the Changsha Public Security Bureau and Bilibili, came to a successful conclusion, amassing over 200 million views and sparking heated discussions. Throughout the series, it featured both bizarre incidents that left viewers laughing and crying, as well as thrilling on-site arrests, showcasing both the stern and rigorous law enforcement procedures and heartwarming grassroots services. Behind the hustle and bustle, the guardians never rest; in recent years, documentaries focusing on law enforcement have increasingly attracted the younger generation. Today, let us take a step into these “outposts” that serve and protect the people, gaining an understanding of the most authentic front lines of police work.

Guarding Liberation West

The Guarding Liberation West series is a legal education documentary centered around the daily work of police officers in Changsha, Hunan Province. This documentary deeply showcases the routine tasks of urban police officers in the central business district of a metropolis, revealing the intricate interplay of law, reason, emotion, and reality within complex policing situations through activities such as police patrols, multi-departmental cooperation, suspect interrogations, and involvement in major cases. It portrays a vivid image of responsible, rational, and compassionate police officers, and disseminates relevant safety and legal knowledge to the public through various case stories. The featured police officers in the show have distinct characteristics, each with their own areas of expertise and endearing personalities, which constitutes one of the main attractions of Guarding Liberation West.

Thanks to the rich experience of Hunan TV in producing variety shows, and due to the everyday, relatable nature of the cases depicted in Guarding Liberation West, the program infuses a certain level of entertainment into the rigorous process of law enforcement, ensuring seriousness while also catering to viewers’ preferences for amusement. In the bar and commercial districts, an abundance of civil disturbances resulting from alcohol consumption serve as a recurring thread throughout the three episodes. Incidents under the influence of alcohol can sometimes jeopardize public safety, create misunderstandings, appear absurdly comical, or lead to tragedies. The show captures life’s nuances vividly in minor incidents while maintaining strict rigor in significant matters, providing viewers with a delightful viewing experience.

Guarding Liberation West is filled with wit, humor, and laugh-out-loud moments, telling stories of human life and its vicissitudes in the Liberation West area of Changsha, portraying the spirit, unique personalities, and selfless dedication of grassroots police officers in the new era. While conducting serious legal education, it also offers a sense of relaxation and enjoyment, making it an essential companion during meals.

Big City, No Small Matters

Big City, No Small Matters is a police documentary produced by Oriental Satellite TV. Unlike Guarding Liberation West, this program shifts its focus from grassroots police station affairs to the actions against crime, concentrating on criminal and economic cases in Shanghai (referred to as ‘Shen City’). The show embeds itself within various criminal investigation and economic investigation teams across Shanghai, closely following the processes of solving cases involving forensic science, anti-theft, anti-fraud, plainclothes operations, major cases, and drug enforcement. Viewers can experience the intensity firsthand through the lens, accompanying law enforcement officers to the front lines of capturing suspects, immersively feeling the tense atmosphere and recreating the thrilling moments of apprehension.

Criminal and economic crimes are more serious and hardcore compared to civil cases. This series covers not only recurring heinous acts such as drug trafficking and tax evasion but also new forms of crime like online and telecommunications fraud. The show particularly highlights these novel criminal methods, serving as a stark reminder that “the law’s net is vast and though it may have gaps, none can escape.” It further embodies the professional attitude of investigative teams who constantly monitor and vigilantly protect society. A thought-provoking aspect is that a significant number of suspects involved in online fraud are young people adept at internet technology, yet often lack knowledge about relevant laws, only realizing they’ve broken the law upon arrest. This underscores the importance of economic legal education. Concurrently, elderly individuals are more susceptible to falling victim to online scams, making it an urgent social development issue to integrate this demographic into an increasingly digital payment-dominated environment.

If you’re drawn to the hardcore elements of criminal and economic investigations, eager to explore the strategies behind cracking major cases, or simply wish to experience the adrenaline rush of frontline law enforcement, Big City, No Small Matters might just be the perfect fit for you.

Forensic Files

Forensic Files is a police documentary produced by China Central Television, which uses a series of classic cases as a vehicle to narrate the entire process of case investigation from the perspective of forensic experts, tightly integrating criminalistics with detective work. Although the program mainly tells the story through the eyes of forensic experts, it presents a comprehensive view of all stages from identification to apprehension, featuring a tight pace and interlocking clues and motives, creating a strong sense of deduction that is both suspenseful and captivating.

The show particularly highlights the forensic criminal investigation techniques, which are highly specialized and core content. For instance, regarding the concept of time of death, Forensic Files provides detailed explanations: how forensic experts use specific methods to accurately estimate the time of death for victims, thereby providing solid evidence for detectives to solve cases.

Under the scalpel, the last words of the victims are conveyed; under the microscope, the wrongdoings of criminals are exposed. Forensic Files guides viewers to unravel the intricate details of cases, revealing all hidden truths. While solving cases, the program also conveys the noble professional spirit of forensic experts, who speak for the deceased and advocate for the rights of the living.

Observing the dynamics of society, safeguarding local tranquility. Grassroots police officers, criminal investigation officers, and economic crime investigation officers jointly maintain the peace of the city, piecing together the truth like a puzzle, breaking through barriers amidst confusion to pinpoint the source of evil. You may rarely encounter them, but more often than not, they blend into the hustle and bustle of urban life and the everyday routines of the marketplace. In times of urgent police situations, they are the brave ones going against the tide; after the storm has passed, they shine as the most dazzling light in the sky above the city. Their brilliance may be hidden in the ordinary, yet their true colors still shine through even in understated ways.