Manchester, NH Police Chief Changes Mind About Welcoming 'COPS' Film Crews
MANCHESTER, N.H. (CBS) – The police department in Manchester, New Hampshire is reversing course after agreeing to allow crews from the TV show "COPS" follow around officers.
Chief Nick Willard wrote in a Facebook post over the weekend that he said yes to the request by the reality show that airs on SPIKE because he is "immensely proud of the officers of the Manchester Police Department."
"Their courage, bravery and compassion is displayed every shift, everyday," Willard said. "MPD officers are the epitome of true American law enforcement, so to showcase them was my intent."
But not everyone liked the idea. Willard said he heard from both residents and businesses concerned that the show might cast Manchester in a negative light, especially as it deals with the deadly opioid epidemic.
"In light of the expressed concerns, and my respect for the City of Manchester, I have discontinued any filming and MPD will not be a featured department for their show," Willard said. "I regret to have caused any undue anxiety."
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On Facebook, some locals are still debating whether putting the spotlight on their city is a good idea.
"It's the crime and drugs that have a negative impact on the city's image, not a reality TV show," Frannie Richards commented. "Pathetic that people think a TV show is the problem."
