Independent Lens Season 17 Episode 17 Peace Officer

In season 17 episode 17 of Independent Lens, viewers are introduced to the powerful documentary Peace Officer, which explores the complex relationship between law enforcement and the citizens they are meant to protect. The film hones in on the story of a former sheriff named William "Dub" Lawrence, who founded his local SWAT team in the 1970s. Lawrence became an enthusiastic advocate for this specialized form of policing, which he believed would help to keep his community safe from the rising tide of violence and crime.

However, over time, Lawrence began to question the very tactics that he had helped to implement. He saw firsthand how the militarization of police forces could lead to disastrous consequences, particularly in cases of extreme conflict. In Peace Officer, Lawrence shares his personal struggles with the concept of SWAT teams, particularly after a tragic incident in which his own son-in-law was killed by a police raid. This event drives Lawrence to question the fundamental approach that many law enforcement officers take when faced with challenging situations.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the history of SWAT teams in the United States. The episode delves into the origins of these specialized units, tracing them back to the Los Angeles Police Department's response to the Watts riots in 1965. From there, SWAT teams spread throughout the country, offering law enforcement officers new tools and tactics for dealing with violent crime.

However, as Peace Officer shows, the use of SWAT teams has evolved into something that many people find troubling. The documentary highlights high-profile cases where SWAT teams have been used in questionable ways, including the infamous raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993. As the film points out, these types of incidents can often escalate conflicts, making them more deadly than they need to be.

But more than critique the use of SWAT teams, Peace Officer is ultimately a meditation on the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The film raises important questions about the role of police officers in society, and whether they are truly equipped to handle extreme situations. It also examines the psychological toll that violence and conflict can take on law enforcement officials, particularly those who are tasked with keeping their communities safe.

One of the most powerful aspects of Peace Officer is the intimate portrait it paints of William Lawrence. Throughout the episode, viewers see Lawrence struggling to come to terms with his son-in-law's death, even as he continues to advocate for better police practices. The film also shows Lawrence reaching out to other families and communities who have been affected by police violence, listening to their stories and supporting their quest for justice.

Overall, season 17 episode 17 of Independent Lens is a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of law enforcement in the modern era. Through its intimate portrait of William Lawrence and its examination of the history and current state of SWAT teams, the film forces viewers to confront some difficult questions about the role of police in society. It's a must-watch for anyone who is interested in understanding the current state of American policing and the challenges facing law enforcement officials and the communities they serve.