Now here's something that strikes me as a little weird. Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin has made a decision to not allow the hit TV show "The First 48" to come back to Memphis for future cases. The show highlights different homicide cases in various cities around the country and follows detectives and police officials through the first 48 hours of their investigation. The police director fears that the show may expose highly sensitive information about open cases. I am a little puzzled here though. The First 48 has really brought Memphis into the national spotlight, however it isn't in the best way. The show gives insight into the workings of Memphis' finest homicide detectives and investigators, but we're kicking them out. I understand if some information may not be ready to be aired, but that's where the police director, detectives, or investigators step in and ask the producers not to air certain portions of the process. There are still plenty of other procedures and leads to follow up on, and I'm sure it wouldn't change the overall view of the show to omit a few portions. If the case is closed and a felon has been captured, I feel that the show should air any available footage they have to detail the investigators successful capture. What do you think? Do you think that "The First 48" should come back to Memphis, or do you think it's an invasion of the police department? Comment on this post to let me know.
I think the producers and camera crews may impede investigations. Imagine people following you everywhere you go, filming your every move. Not only would it get in the way but your actions would be altered because you'd always know Hey, I'm on TV.
While I agree that it keeps Memphis in a national spotlight I don't think it's the right one. But it doesn't matter anyway. The show "Real Vice Cops Uncut" on Spike will be filming episodes here soon. Doesn't Godwin think they'll just get in the way too?