Coming to theatres tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16: PEACE OFFICER
Scott Christopherson and Brad Barber’s exploration of the rapid militarization of America’s police force made its world premiere at SXSW this year, where it claimed both best documentary and audience awards. The film also picked up awards at Full Frame and Montclair, and has screened at Hot Docs, Little Rock, AFI Docs, Traverse City, New Zealand, and Milwaukee, among others.
Christopherson and Barber ground their film in the compelling story of their protagonist, Dub Lawrence, a law enforcement vet who introduced Utah’s first SWAT team in 1975, only to see that same force go on to gun down his disturbed son-in-law three decades later. Since then, Lawrence has single-mindedly devoted all his energies to investigating the consequences of police militarization, tackling not only the truth behind his family’s tragedy, but other instances throughout the state involving unnecessary fatalities and excessive force. While localized to Utah, these often shocking tales of whole squadrons of heavily armed police teams facing off against unarmed, non-violent suspects speak to a broader, systemic issue – law enforcement viewing ordinary citizens as de facto enemy combatants, ready and willing to shoot without hesitation, belying the sentiment that lends the film its title.
what (not) to doc 