WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas -- The Williamson County Commissioner's Court will allow the county sheriff's office to remain under contract with Big Fish Entertainment, creators of A&E's television show Live PD.
- Recent episodes raised liability concerns
- Segments featured deputies on SWAT calls
- Vote allows office to remain under contract
The vote came after recent episodes raised safety and liability concerns amongst critics like Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long. Segments featuring deputies on SWAT calls raised questions on the safety of having camera crews accompany deputies during dangerous calls.
Critics also believe the negative coverage isn't a good representation of the county.
Sheriff Robert Chody testified and defended the sheriff office’s involvement in the show. He argued the show provided a new level of transparency, one that goes beyond the day-to-day duties the citizens are already familiar with.
"The community loves seeing this, and it's not all about crime either. It brings a human element of what people do not see behind the scenes." -- Sheriff Robert Chody.
Chody and his supporters were relieved to see the vote go their way. He said even though he likes the results, he's still considering the concerns from Commissioner Long and other critics.
"Thankfully the majority of the court agreed with what I was saying as a whole. They had some honest concerns I think and collectively I think they made the wise choice, the right choice," said Chody.
Chody said he plans to limit segments that feature SWAT activity. He said it's an easy trade off to keep his precinct on Live PD.