Why is Beech Grove Leaving on Patrol Live? BGPD is Taking a Break
by Sona
Updated Jun 08, 2023
Is Beech Grove Still on Patrol Live?
The Beech Grove Police Department has announced that they will be temporarily stepping away from filming for the television series "On Patrol: Live" on REELZ. The show features real-time feeds of police agencies across the country. In a tweet, the BGPD confirmed their hiatus, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the dedicated work of their officers and hoping to potentially return in the future.
They also thanked their citizens and the #OPNation community for their support. To fill the gap left by Beech Grove PD, the show will feature the police department in Fullerton, California for the time being. However, it remains unclear if and when BGPD will make a comeback on the show.
The television series "On Patrol: Live" debuted on Reelz in July 2022 and has consistently attracted an audience of nearly four million viewers per week. Mercuri highlighted the show's early episodes, including scenes featuring Beech Grove police officers engaged in pursuits on I-65. In February, the program was officially renewed through January 2024.
Why is Beech Grove Leaving on Patrol Live?
Beech Grove Police Department has temporarily chosen to distance itself from "On Patrol: Live," a television program that showcases live feeds of police agencies nationwide. This decision will be in effect during the summer period. An official spokesperson for BGPD made this announcement via a tweet on Monday, clarifying that they have appreciated their participation on the show and expressing hope to potentially return in the future.
The department extended its gratitude to viewers for the opportunity to showcase the dedicated work of its officers, while also acknowledging the support received from citizens and the #OPNation community. According to Beech Grove Deputy Police Chief Robert Mercuri, the decision to step away from the show had been under consideration since February.
He further explained that while administrators recognize the value of the program, it can be demanding to accommodate individuals for extended ride-alongs in police vehicles. Thus, the temporary break is intended to provide some relief for the department. Mercuri mentioned the possibility of Beech Grove PD resuming their participation in "On Patrol: Live" when the fall season arrives, although no guarantees were made.
Beech Grove PD 'Taking a Break' from TV Show
The Beech Grove Police Department has decided to take a temporary break from appearing on the TV show "On Patrol: Live," which broadcasts real-time feeds of police agencies across the nation, particularly during the summer season. A spokesperson for BGPD made the announcement via a tweet on Monday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their officers' hard work and assuring viewers that they hope to return in the future.
They also thanked the citizens and supporters of the show, using the hashtag #OPNation. Beech Grove Deputy Police Chief Robert Mercuri stated that the decision had been under consideration since February and emphasized the value of the show from an administrative standpoint.
However, he acknowledged that it can be demanding to have people ride along in police vehicles for extended periods of time and mentioned that the break was intended to provide some respite. Mercuri expressed a desire for Beech Grove PD to potentially resume their participation in "On Patrol: Live" during the fall season, although no guarantees were given.
The Beech Grove Police Department has been featured in several notable episodes, such as an incident where an Indiana father was charged with neglect after a video showed his toddler son brandishing a handgun. Additionally, in April, Beech Grove police pulled over an Indianapolis actor driving a vehicle designed to resemble a 1960s police squad car due to a faulty headlight.
The actor, Joel Alvarado, who is also a co-producer of the movie "Mayberry Man," cooperated with the officers, but comments made by the hosts of "On Patrol: Live" garnered criticism on social media.
Despite the controversies associated with TV shows that depict law enforcement operations, Mercuri believes such programs ultimately have a positive impact on the perception of police officers. He considers them important in humanizing law enforcement and highlighting the challenges officers face while interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
On Patrol: Live
"On Patrol: Live" is an unscripted American reality TV series that is broadcasted on the Reelz network. The show focuses on camera crews accompanying law enforcement agencies during their patrols in the United States. It serves as a spiritual successor to the previously aired "Live PD" on A&E, which was discontinued in 2020 due to the killing of George Floyd and Javier Ambler.
Discussions regarding the revival of the series took place between producers and various networks between 2020 and 2022. The show was officially announced in June 2022 and premiered on July 22 of the same year. "On Patrol: Live" is hosted by Dan Abrams and retired Tulsa Police Department Sergeant Sean "Sticks" Larkin, both of whom returned from "Live PD," alongside newcomer Curtis Wilson, a deputy from the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
A&E subsequently filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against the series, the network, and production companies. Despite its strong viewership and consistent success within its target age demographic, the revival faced controversy due to concerns about its depiction of law enforcement and in comparison to "Live PD."
To provide a preview of each episode, a companion series titled "On Patrol: First Shift" airs one hour prior to "On Patrol: Live." This companion series debuted on August 12, 2022. In February 2023, an additional order of 90 episodes for the series was announced.
Why is Beech Grove Leaving on Patrol Live - FAQs
"On Patrol: Live" is an unscripted American reality TV series that showcases real-time feeds of law enforcement agencies during their patrols in the United States.
Beech Grove Police Department has temporarily chosen to distance itself from "On Patrol: Live," a television program that showcases live feeds of police agencies nationwide.
The Beech Grove Police Department has decided to take a temporary break from the show to provide some relief for their officers who participate in the filming. The decision was made to address the demands of accommodating individuals for extended ride-alongs in police vehicles.
While there are no guarantees, Beech Grove PD expressed their hope to potentially return to the show in the fall season.
Beech Grove PD is temporarily stepping away from the show. It remains unclear if and when they will resume their participation.