"Unit 99" was a pioneering police drama radio show that aired on the ABC Network from August 23, 1957, to June 13, 1958. It was also rebroadcast by the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).
What made "Unit 99" unique was its innovative approach to dramatizing real-life police work. The show was based on actual cases and featured Sacramento Police Sergeant Dan Meredith in a central role. The concept was that Sergeant Meredith would drive around in his police car with a tape recorder, taking it with him to crime scenes and the police station, interviewing victims, bystanders, and narrating the action as it happened. This gave listeners an authentic and immersive experience of what it was like to be a police officer in the 1950s, covering everything from petty larceny to more serious crimes like assault and murder.
The show was directed by Tony Kester, and hosted by James B. Hicks, who was the Chief of Sacramento Police, further adding to its sense of authenticity. Despite its relatively short run, "Unit 99" left a lasting impact on radio drama, setting a new standard for police procedurals by incorporating elements of actual police work into its narratives.
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