'Cops' TV Show To Follow San Jose Police Officers
SAN JOSE (KPIX 5) – A well-known TV show has started filming on the streets of San Jose, but this isn't the kind of show you would want a small part in.
Starting on Tuesday, patrol officers are taking camera crews from the reality show "Cops" along for the ride, as they take down bad boys and dangerous criminals on the job. This is the first time the department has signed on with the show, one of the longest-running and original reality shows.
KPIX 5 followed one of the crews around the city as a San Jose officer went from call to call. No arrests were made, but they are just getting started. The camera crews will be in town for the next two-and-a-half months.
A San Jose police department spokesperson told KPIX 5 that it will boost morale within the department and provide greater transparency. Filming could also attract more recruits, at a time when the department is struggling to put enough officers on the streets.
New officers are taking competitive offers elsewhere, as a result of the pension reform measure. San Jose is authorized for 1,100 officers, but today there are only around 900 suited up for duty.
Two film crews from "Cops" will follow officers for 10 weeks. They will follow nighttime patrols and other specialized units.
