But in each episode as a policeman he has crimes to solve, which he does using his deep and often personal knowledge of history, depicted as flashbacks.

The march, led by the far-right National Party of Germany, was organized to protest an exhibition depicting crimes by German soldiers during World War II.

The story, set in New York City and Waterbury, depicts the life and crimes (and capture) of Waterbury's notorious Mad Bomber, George Metesky.

Mr. Balin said that "cards depicting criminals and crimes have been around since the late 1800's and, in fact, predate sports cards."

Colleen O'Connor, director of public education of the American Civil Liberties Union, notes that the show often depicts crimes that the suspects portrayed have only been accused of committing.

"Inflated rhetoric depicting crimes for which there is no evidence undermines public confidence," Ms. Thernstrom said.

The film depicts drug-related crimes and diseases: prostitution, male prostitution, AIDS, and lethal overdoses.

The typical half-hour program offered about 12 minutes of "news," more than 40 percent of it depicting violent crimes or disasters.

Many urban legends depict horrific crimes, contaminated foods or other situations which would affect many people.