Academic analysis establishing the police procedural as a distinct subgenre through examination of its conventions, character types, and narrative innovations
Humaniora, Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 33-40
DOI: 10.22146/jh.v31i1.15309
Download PDFBased on library research and observation, this paper aims to introduce the police procedural as a subgenre of the detective genre. To achieve this aim, this paper elaborates three definitions of police procedural. The discussion shows that experts have apparently provided a working definition of the police procedural after having identified how the new variant is different from, and yet remains the same as the 'parent' genre. While the third definition puts emphasis on the authentic and realistic aspects of the police procedural, the first two definitions can be used as a reference to elaborately discuss the police procedural as a variant or subgenre of the detective genre. The police procedural retains the basic conventional elements of the detective genre—plot and motifs, character, setting, theme, and props, but it twists these elements and turns them into an invention with the intention of keeping the interest of the readers and viewers. Having established itself as a subgenre, the police procedural has grown to become formulaic by creating its own conventions. It is a formula that is generally employed by writers and has come to be expected by readers or viewers. By doing so, the police procedural has helped the detective genre as its 'parents' genre stay popular.
This foundational academic paper provides critical theoretical grounding for understanding the police procedural as a distinct subgenre within detective fiction. The authors establish a scholarly framework that directly supports the consultant procedural analysis found in our research collection.
Primasita and Ahimsa-Putra identify how genres evolve through convention-invention dialectic - retaining familiar elements while introducing innovations. This explains how shows like Monk, Sherlock, and Dexter maintain detective genre recognition while developing unique consultant approaches.
The paper presents three complementary definitions:
The authors identify six core conventions that became foundational to the subgenre:
This paper provides the academic foundation for understanding how the police procedural established patterns later adapted by consultant procedurals. The team-based investigation model and procedural authenticity requirements directly influence how civilian consultants integrate with law enforcement in shows like Castle, White Collar, and Psych.
The convention-invention framework explains how consultant procedurals maintain detective genre appeal while introducing specialized expertise (psychic abilities, criminal backgrounds, mystery writing) that differentiates them from traditional police work.
While focused on police procedurals, this theoretical framework illuminates the evolution toward consultant procedurals where civilian specialists provide capabilities unavailable to traditional police departments - from Sherlock’s deductive reasoning to Neal Caffrey’s criminal expertise to Shawn Spencer’s hyperobservation skills.
The paper’s emphasis on authenticity and realism also explains why successful consultant procedurals ground fantastical elements (fake psychic powers, supernatural abilities) in realistic police procedures and legal frameworks.
This academic foundation strengthens our understanding of how the consultant procedural emerged as a natural evolution of the police procedural, maintaining genre conventions while introducing specialist knowledge that enhances investigative capabilities beyond traditional police work.
