Petition Launched To Bring Back 'Live PD' To Williamson County

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — A petition designed to convince Williamson County Commissioners Court members to reverse their earlier decision to end "Live PD" filming of local cops has garnered nearly 2,300 signatures as of this writing.

Amid swirling controversies emanating out of the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, commissioners on Aug. 20 unanimously voted to end the county's association with the popular A&E cable program. The reality produced by Big Fish Entertainment followed police officials from various parts of the country, including Williamson County.

Commissioners just weeks earlier had voted to continue the association, in part moved by assertions from Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody that his deputies' presence on the program helped with recruiting. But given scandals at his office largely centered on Commander Steve Deaton — whose offensive Facebook page making light of rape and calling for violence against black athletes in silent protest during the playing of the National Anthem —commissioners opted to pull the plug on the county's participation in the reality show. Deaton was also accused of making an inappropriate remark about a female Live PD producer.

There also were concerns related to the practice of Big Fish Entertainment of not retaining or sharing footage with the district attorney's office that could yield needed evidence in investigations.

A change.org petition is now calling for commissioners to reverse their position. The campaign was launched on Wednesday, steadily gaining signatures by its second day since being formed.

The petition's organizers focus less on the show's content than as its manifestation of support for the sheriff's office in having it continue to air: "Williamson County (Wilco) has positively affected the lives of thousands of people across the nation & the world!" the petition reads. "The Williamson County Commissioners Court ruled to end the county's affiliation with Big Fish Entertainment, which produces LivePD. If you support the Williamson County Sheriff's Office & would like to respectfully petition the Williamson County Commissioners Court to reverse their decision & reinstate their relationship with Big Fish Entertainment & LivePD, please sign this petition!"

The appeal ends with the hashtags #LivePDNation, #LivePD, #WilcoStrong, #TeamWilco and #WilcoProud. Several of the petition signatories explained their support in bringing the show back:

• "I'm signing, because people should be able to see the amazing work that the officers of Williamson County do!" Edie Best wrote in voicing her support. "I'd think, that you would be proud of the way they represent your county! You're very lucky, to have such upstanding officers!"
• "I feel like this has brought the community a lot closer and I also feel it has changed the mind of a lot of people who has concerns with the way Williamson County was being ran," explained supporter Kathy Sellers.
• "A few jerks in an office do not speak for all of us," Kristin Lawson added pithily.
• "There has been no other show that has brought the community together with our local police and sheriffs department and educated the public," Sandra Fly added. "If you were on live PD and you’re not doing anything wrong you should not be embarrassed. If you’re embarrassed let’s hope that you’re learning from it. The county commissioners should not be the only people to vote whether or not live PD is part of Williamson County. That’s just absolutely wrong !!!!!"

According to a recent report in Bloomberg, Live PD is the most viewed show on cable television. Williamson County is not the only jurisdiction to have cut ties with the show. In ending their association with Live PD, officials in Bridgeport, Connecticut said there were concerns that the show was giving the city an inaccurate national reputation. And a recent article in The Missoulian notes that at least six jurisdictions, including Williamson County, have chosen not to continue working with Live PD.