Question

Over the years, there have been many television shows and movies based on the escapades of officers of the law. Most of these are exciting and fun to watch. After all, who doesn’t love a good chase scene? Which is why for this activity you will be creating a scene for a screenplay. Here’s the catch. You must include at least one character in the scene that works at each of the following locations: a federal agency (like the FBI) the state police force (like a state trooper) the county (like a county judge) the local municipal level (like a local detective) Your goal is to create a story where all of these levels of law enforcement work together in some way, while also entertaining your audience, of course! Maybe you’ll have them meet at the scene of the crime. Or perhaps you’ll have them link up at the end of the scene. Just make sure that you adequately show each of the four roles in your script. The crime they are convening over should also be the kind of crime that members of each of these bodies would need to be called in for. If you need to, do some research to discover what kinds of crimes these might be. Step 1: Research Elements and Create a Template Before you even jump into the research aspect of this activity, take a moment to learn about scriptwriting. This link provides you with a step-by-step process for writing a scene of a play: How to Write a Simple Screenplay (for Kids) You don’t need to use a special program, simply type your scene into a word processing document. If you’d like, you can find or create a template to structure your scene. Step 2: Write Your Scene! Now that you know a lot about criminal justice careers and some scriptwriting basics, you can start writing! Your scene must include: information that sets the scene four main characters (one each from the organizations listed above) a crime/problem/mystery that must be solved dialogue between two characters that reveals information about the career choice you are highlighting

Answer 1

Title: "Crossing Lines"

Genre: Crime Drama

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INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

The warehouse is dimly lit with flickering fluorescent lights. Shadows loom in the corners as distant sounds of dripping water echo through the empty space. Yellow police tape marks off a gruesome scene: a body lies near a pool of blood, surrounded by scattered evidence. A sense of urgency fills the air.

CHARACTERS:

1. AGENT LISA REID (FBI) - A sharp, no-nonsense agent in her thirties, dressed in a navy suit. She carries a briefcase filled with evidence.

2. SERGEANT TOM MCDANIEL (State Police) - A rugged state trooper in his forties, wearing a tan uniform. He looks weary but determined.

3. JUDGE ANNE RICHARDSON (County) - An authoritative woman in her fifties, wearing a formal blazer. She exudes a sense of calm and control amidst chaos.

4. DETECTIVE BEN KIM (Local Police) - A tech-savvy detective in his late twenties, wearing a police jacket and carrying a notepad and pen. He has a youthful but serious demeanor.

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AGENT REID kneels down next to the body, examining the scene. SERGEANT MCDANIEL approaches, taking off his hat as he looks around.

SERGEANT MCDANIEL
(looking at the body)
Another one, huh? This is the third in two weeks.

AGENT REID
(sighs)
I know. The pattern is too significant to ignore. It’s time to bring in the big guns.

DET. KIM steps forward, flipping through his notes.

DETECTIVE KIM
The victims all had prior convictions for drug trafficking. I think we’re dealing with a turf war.

As they speak, JUDGE RICHARDSON arrives, clearly annoyed to be pulled out of her evening plans.

JUDGE RICHARDSON
(crossing her arms)
With the city under chaos, I was told you needed my presence for a search warrant, not a social visit. What do you have?

AGENT REID rises, motioning to the body.

AGENT REID
This is connected to a federal case. We believe a major drug lord is behind this operation, and I need your approval for my team to examine the suspect’s home.

JUDGE RICHARDSON raises an eyebrow, assessing Agent Reid's intense gaze.

JUDGE RICHARDSON
The last judge who issued a warrant for this drug lord got threatened. Are you sure you want to go down this path?

DETECTIVE KIM interjects, eager to gain support.

DETECTIVE KIM
Your Honor, if we don’t act now, there could be more bodies. We have solid evidence for a warrant.

SERGEANT MCDANIEL nods, taking a step closer to JUDGE RICHARDSON.

SERGEANT MCDANIEL
The community is scared. This is bigger than all of us; we need to come together to put an end to this.

JUDGE RICHARDSON considers their words, looking at the scene with a mix of frustration and resolve.

JUDGE RICHARDSON
Alright, I’ll sign the warrant. But I expect updates every step of the way.

AGENT REID smiles, relieved.

AGENT REID
Thank you, Your Honor. This will make a difference.

DETECTIVE KIM jots a note down, ready to spring into action.

DETECTIVE KIM
(enthusiastic)
As soon as we have the warrant, my team will get on the surveillance. Let’s take this guy down together.

SERGEANT MCDANIEL looks toward the entrance of the warehouse as if sensing something.

SERGEANT MCDANIEL
We better move fast. If this is a turf war, they won’t wait for us to catch up.

The four of them stand together, a unified front despite the chaos around them. They prepare to leave the warehouse, determination on their faces, ready to work together to bring justice.

FADE OUT.

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END SCENE