Cops

COPS is a reality television show filmed on location with law enforcement officers. Currently in it's 21st year, COPS has filmed episodes in 140 different cities. The locations are typically large and medium size cities within the U.S. but episodes have been filmed in Russia, Hong Kong and London. The format for the show is 3 segments, each of which typically contains one or two separate police incidents and no narrator. COPS currently airs on FOX, G4 and truTV.

Many consider COPS the original reality show. With it’s stark look at the worst parts of human behavior, it grabs the viewers attention. The story is revealed through the eyes of the policeofficers who strive to do their job in keeping the peace on the street. http://www.cops.com/cops-history.html

The first episode filmed on March 11, 1989. The run time has usually been 30 minutes throughout the well over 700 episodes. COPS has had two reoccurring guests, John Bunnell on 11 episodes and John Walsh with 2 episodes. http://www.tvrage.com/Cops

This style of filming is an updated version of cinema verite, a French documentary style of filming done in the early 1920’s. In this style of filming, life is shot with no script, narration or intervention. In the updated way COPS uses this filming style, a police officer narrates tell you about what happens during his or her shift.

Normally an episode begins with an adrenaline rush scene such as a footrace with the suspect and the police officer and camera crew. The only sound is the slap of the feet on pavement and the breath of the pursuers. Then comes the sensitive segment which is usually comedic or emotional. This comedy comes with the natural pace of life on street and is not added just for the benefit of the show. The third scene is a continuation of the sensitive segment such as a lost child or someone dealing with a death. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/159548-Bad_Boys_Big_Money.php