The Making of a Policeman (clip)
The training and work of the police in Glasgow
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- Questions & Activities
- Clip Details
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Description
Clip opens on policeman walking near the motorway flyover at Anderston while a song about Glasgow policemen plays. The policemen are shown walking around Anderston and talking to locals. Exteriors of the Brandon Inn, Anderston Parish Church and The Salvation Army building are shown before a clip of a police recruitment advert plays. The film goes on to follow the journey of two Police Constables, Angus Ross and Douglas Walker through their training. After the two describe their backgrounds, some scenes from the basic training provided at Oxford Street in the Gorbals are presented. The equipment and uniform of a policeman are itemised and presented to Ross. An inspection and drill follow. The clip goes on to refer to the challenges offered in policing Old Firm matches. Chief Constable David McNee discusses the character of Glasgow in regard to policing. The clip ends with another recruitment advert, depicting an advanced driving course, combat training and a reconstruction of a bag snatch.
Questions & Activities
Questions
- What point does the opening song make about where Glasgow police come from? Is this still the case today?
- Why do the police wear a uniform? What effect does this have?
- Why is discipline important according to the film?
- How has police equipment and uniform changed?
- What effect does the sound and music have in this clip?
- Why is Glasgow a challenge for a police officer?
- What did being a police officer offer and what does it offer now.
- Why is the way the police stand and look perceived to the important?
- What is the traditional Glasgow pastime that the film refers to with such horror?
Activities
Art and Design: Design your own police uniform for today's environment and needs.
History / Modern Studies: Investigate how the conditions of service for police have changed between the mid-1970s to today.
Gender / Modern Studies: The trainer begins his session with 'Good morning lady and gentlemen'. Why is this and how has the gender balance changed?
Modern Studies: The film says that a policeman is an upholder of the law not an interpreter. Discuss whether this is still the same situation or to what extent policeman are required to use their discretion. Debate whether our view of authority has changed since the mid-1970s and why? (You may want to take into account recent examples of alleged police corruption).
Modern Studies: The last speaker in the film says 'Glasgow is a challenging city for police'. Do you think this is still the case today? Investigate what issues are of the highest priority for police to deal with today.
Media Studies / Modern Studies: Compare and contrast to other films on this site about the Police. What are the differences and similarities? (e.g. Country Policeman).
Modern Studies / Sport: Research the cost of policing Old Firm Games and debate the cost and benefits to Glasgow of having such intense rivalry between two football teams. Should the clubs be forced to pay more for the policing of their own games?
Clip Details
| Record Id | 007-000-004-205-C |
|---|---|
| Resource Rights Holder | Courtesy of Scottish Television |
| Project Ref | T2291 |
| Date | 1975 |
| Genre | Documentary |
| School Subject | Politics, Social History, History, Modern Studies, Gender Studies |
| Subject Matter | Citizenship, Literacy |
| Who | David Dunn (director), Russell Galbraith (executive producer), Scottish Television (production company) |
| Where | Glasgow, Tulliallan |
| Attributes | Colour, Sound |
| Clip Length | 9:02 |
| Film Length | 26:36 |