Birmingham, Alabama (Oct. 15) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and A&E today announce a partnership to film the Sheriff’s Office for the critically acclaimed network’s series Live PD, a show that gives viewers a transparent view of law enforcement on duty. A&E works with communities across America to feature a cross-section of law enforcement and agencies. The series will air in Jefferson County on Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm-midnight CST beginning Oct. 21.
The show airs on cable and reaches over 7 million viewers according to A&E. The goal of the series is to show how law enforcement is reducing crime and improving the quality of life on a daily basis. It also shows deputies who wear the badge as real people. Live PD showcases those officers who are passionate about serving the community and reducing crime.
“The people of Jefferson County want to know that we are working hard for them every day,” said Sheriff Mark Pettway. “By showing our citizens on live TV what we do, what we endure and how we care about and serve the people is the best way for us to continue to build viable relationships in the county.”
In addition, A&E states that the show helps build community relations with the community by raising awareness about what law enforcement does day-in and day-out. The show also airs “Missing” and “Wanted” segments which, according to A&E has helped departments locate missing children and captured fugitives. In addition to the live shows, A&E will film pre-taped segments at the Sheriff’s Office during the week that will chronicle the challenges deputies face on a daily basis.
Filming consists of and incorporates dashcams, handheld and fixed rig cameras in patrol cars to film what happens on a typical Friday and Saturday night patrol. The style of the show is to take a fly-on-wall approach by following deputies “in-the-moment.” There is no music, script, interviews, narrator or recreations in the show. The show offers a raw and complete view of what it takes to police a community.
“Our goals with Live PD are to identify any gaps that may exist between our office and the community and to increase recruitment of new deputies. Along with those goals, we see the show as an additional tool to help us locate fugitives and any missing children,” Pettway added.
Interaction with Live PD’s social media platforms is among the highest of any show on television. Viewers can follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @officiallivepd.