Violent Video Game Lets Players Kill Cops For Fun
By Jeff Tang
(LOUISVILLE) -- While there are seemingly more and more violent video games on the market every day, a game released last month may have crossed the line. Called "25 To Life," the violent video game places the police in its crosshairs. WAVE 3's Jeff Tang finds out what the widow of a fallen officer has to say about the idea of people pretending to shoot cops for entertainment.
Andrew Iredale's ideas of escaping reality are the same as many teens. He enjoys skateboarding, having fun and "getting away from the normal life."
But it's what kids pretend to do while playing video games that is causing controversy among law enforcement officials across the nation.
The game is called "25 To Life," and it's a street warfare game between gangs and law enforcement. Players can choose either side. While violent video games are nothing new, it's the mission in "25 To Life" that is.
The first thing players assuming the character of a gang member have to do is shoot police officers.
Rebecca Grignon's husband was a Louisville Metro Police officer who lost his life in the line of duty shortly before his shift ended one morning. "My husband was Officer Peter Grignon, and he was shot and killed by a 17-year-old kid ... for nothing."
The teen then used the gun to kill himself.
Now teens 17 and older can legally act out Rebecca's real-life nightmare. "I was shocked they would make anything like this," she said. "This teaches juveniles and young children that it's OK to go out and shoot an officer."
Andrew says "I haven't played it, I hear it's, like, really good, gangsters and stuff."
But Andrew is no stranger to violent video games. "I have San Andreas for X Box -- it's pretty tight."
Though he enjoys the game play, Andrew is quick to draw the line between reality and imagination, saying there's no way he would ever go out and do that in real life.
Still, many people worry that the line between the real world and the world of video games is subconsciously blurred in a teenage mind.
"You say it's just entertainment or just a game, but in your mind you're conditioned to be OK with it," Rebecca says.
And that sense of acceptance is not OK with Rebecca. "To the children, I would say: this is not entertainment. This is not what you want to grow up to be."
The game is rated "M" for "Mature" -- which means it's meant for players over the age of 17. However, many teens younger than 17 can get parents or friends to buy mature titles for them.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is calling for the game to be banned, and has more than 140,00 signatures from people supporting the effort. For more information, visit: http://nleomf.com .
Online Reporter: Jeff Tang
Online Producer: Michael Dever