Whistling Smith

- Marrin Canell, & Michael Scott,
- 1975,
- 27 min 20 s

- 12,194 views
- 96 Like
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Synopsis
Education

This film is a revealing portrait of a tough cop with a big heart. Sergeant Bernie "Whistling" Smith walks the beat on Vancouver's Eastside, the hangout of petty criminals, down-and-outs and a variety of characters. His policing is unorthodox. To many drug users, petty thieves and prostitutes in this economically depressed area he is more than the iron hand of the law, he is also a counsellor and a friend.

Grade 11 - 12

Heath/Personal Development / Substance Use and Abuse/Addiction

Social Studies / Contemporary Issues

Social Studies / Law

Educational purpose:

Topics for class discussion: Smith’s style of policing, the effectiveness of his style of policing, the response of his clientele to his policing style, the response of his superiors to his style, his passion for cleaning up the neighbourhood where he works. Discuss how Smith’s policing style differs from that of any police officers you have encountered. This film deals with mature subject matter .

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Comments

Whistling Smith

tsea512

“As a police officer for 24 years , that is real police qqwork, it does not exist anymore! now the criminels have more power , WHAT A SHAME!!!”

14 Jan 2012
Whistling Smith

tsea512

“As a police officer for 24 years , that is real police qqwork, it does not exist anymore! now the criminels have more power , WHAT A SHAME!!!”

14 Jan 2012
Whistling Smith

roberto

“Great presentation of what we once had, that is now gone forever. I am sure there are many Sgt. Smiths out there...but they ride the beat Are they really in touch with the people and the streets? Do they really want to be????????”

31 Jan 2011
Whistling Smith

roberto

“I can remember this type of police patrol as a young person, the force seemed to be more in touch with the public and the problems of the times. Now days kids hang in gangs and feed off one another, in my city we see less and less cops on foot patrol. I believe the camera encouraged Sgt. Smith to be a bit dramatic but all said I think we could use more Sgt. Smiths good N.F.B presentation also loved The Waterwalker Cheers, Roberto”

31 Jan 2011