Product Overview
In 2018, the new Western Australian police commissioner made an astonishing apology to Aboriginal people for their past mistreatment by police. Three years later, the same force is engaged in a push to increase the number of First Nations police officers in its ranks.
As this historic attempt at transformation begins, the cameras of Our Law are granted unprecedented access to the 2021 class of First Nations cadets, along with ride-along access to experienced Aboriginal officers out on the frontline. For twelve months, Our Law cameras follow the gruelling training and emergency callouts in one of the largest and most challenging law enforcement areas in the world.
Our Law is a ground-breaking observational documentary series employing humour, blunt honesty and emotional journeys of transformation.
The series observes First Nations officers and cadets attempting to make lasting change out on the beat, while giving strong voice to the very Aboriginal communities being policed. Can cadets Leroy, Hannah, and Shaye overcome their own personal challenges and pass the gruelling fitness tests required to progress through to becoming official police recruits? Can frontline officers Tyler, Tiarna and Cohen achieve their aspirations of becoming the ultimate frontline – one that can change a police culture from within and rebuild trust between First Nations people and the blue uniform?
Through the emotional connection to the six participants as their personal journeys unfold over six episodes, and with a strong focus on telling both sides of the story of the policing of First Nations peoples, Our Law is a timely and critically important exploration of the issues surrounding First Nations-police relations.
Curriculum Links:
This study guide is suitable for secondary students at all year levels. It is best suited to the teaching of Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as English and Media. In addition, it also supports development of the Australian Curriculum general capabilities of: Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding and Intercultural Understanding. It is a useful text to share with students as part of any career education classes.
Our Law offers students the opportunity to:
- Consider the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait representation within the police force.
- Explore the challenges and rewards of police work, especially as they apply to Indigenous cadets and early career officers serving in regional areas.
- Discuss the status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in modern day society.
- Critique and challenge beliefs, assumptions and stereotypes.
- Consider the long-term impact of colonisation on Indigenous Australians, and strategies that can be used to overcome inequity and disadvantage.
- Discuss issues such as mentorship, connection, respect and personal development in the context of working life.
