The controversial Live PD TV show contract with Wiliamson County comes up before Commissioners Court.
About six months into a contract with the A&E TV show LivePD, Williamson County Commissioners consider cutting ties. Some commissioners cited concerns that the show was putting the county in a bad light. Dick Brock with Texas Municipal Police Association had others. “The members of the Williamson County Deputies Association are opposed to the renewal of the contract with LivePD. The reason is very simple, the safety of our deputies.” Brock says film crews setting up shots delay serving warrants on suspects… that puts deputies and targets at increased risk. Sheriff Robert Chody disagrees. “When I hear organizations come up here and say that employees are against it, that’s not reflective of the whole organization at all, that’s just not true.” Chody says no vote was ever taken that he was aware of. He adds there’s no better community policing and that it puts the county in a positive light.
Chody says the show has led to his department considering changes include a cite-and-release policy for pot possession. “Sheriffs Office was considering that after the many hate mails of us making an arrest on national TV for possession of a small amount of marijuana.”
Critics say the show puts too much emphasis on crime in what is considered a very safe community. County Judge Bill Gravell (Gra-VELL) has his concerns but says “I like what I see on LivePD because it reflects who we are. I’ve seen justice, but yet I’ve seen compassion.” Chody says the show has led to a fully staffed department with a waiting list of applicants. Commissioners voted to continue the contract.
