Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office To Broadcast Deputies On TV Once Again
In what could be considered a significant turn of events, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is reigniting its initiative of broadcasting the activities and daily encounters of its deputies on TV. This precedent was set in motion again with the upcoming launch of “Jefferson County Cam Watch”, a program that is foreseen to kickstart on the 13th of July at 6:30 p.m. on CBS 42.
Cam Watch: A First-Person View of Law Enforcement
The program largely aims to give viewers a first-person insight into the challenging circumstances its deputies face on a regular basis as they venture to deter criminal activities and apprehend individuals who have been found guilty of perpetrating crimes against others. This perspective, as seen in the launch trailer disseminated on the office’s YouTube channel, will be driven by handheld and dashcam recordings of deputies as they carry out their respective duties.
Past and Future
Reminiscent of “Live PD”, an erstwhile popular program that aired on the A&E network from 2016-2020, where Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was featured in at least eight episodes between 2019 and 2020 with Sheriff Mark Pettway making appearances. However, this endeavor was put to a halt in 2020 during the nationwide protests against law enforcement excesses that surged after the atrocious killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
“Jefferson County Cam Watch” is set to broadcast on Saturdays until the 24th of August. The show has been deemed highly valuable by Sheriff Pettway, who believes that it will greatly contribute to their efforts for building stronger ties between law enforcement and the community, while showcasing the commendable work done by their deputies.
The Downside of the Past Programs
It is important to remember that the previous participation of the office in such broadcasts, specifically with “Live PD”, resulted in a high-profile incident. In November 2019, a rigorous car chase led to a crash in Five Points West, Birmingham, that had put four innocent civilians in the hospital. It’s noteworthy, this event occurred while deputies, accompanied by a “Live PD” crew, were filming while chasing down a suspect who had multiple outstanding warrants.
Looking Forward
Naturally, as the news of these broadcasts resurfaces, there are hopes and precautions being taken to avoid any such untoward incident. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is certain that this step will be essential in streamlining the understanding of the day-to-day lives of deputies whilst strengthening their bond and trust with the public.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
