GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County police have been the focus of reality TV shows in recent years, but there is a debate about whether it's worth the hassle.
For several years now, film crews from the TV show "The First 48" have followed Gwinnett homicide detectives.
The crews are given exclusive access to the investigations and crime scenes, where neither the public nor the rest of the media can go. Three local murder cases have aired so far.
Commanders told Channel 2's Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Tony Thomas they have noticed
larger recruitment classes in recent months. But they couldn't say for sure if the higher numbers are related to the publicity from the show.
On the other side, some defense attorneys have concerns about the show.
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In a recent murder trial, attorneys tried to convince a jury “The First 48” crew could have messed with the crime scene. Detectives were quick to praise the show and testified crews were kept at a distance.
However, Channel 2 Action News has seen times where the crews are not only inside the crime scene tape, but within inches of evidence or the victims.
Thomas asked the police department’s spokesman Wednesday about the discrepancy.
“In general, I can say they do. In that particular case, I can’t say whether they went behind the tape,” Sgt. Jake Smith said.
Gwinnett police have until August to decide if the reality TV cameras will continue to follow detectives.
"We have a new group of attorneys and they want a fresh crack at the contract," Smith said.
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