Williamson County Sheriff Not Amused After Being Mocked On TV

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS — Hell hath no fury like a sheriff scorned.

Sheriff Robert Chody aired his displeasure this week after his police force was mocked on national television for its use of life-sized cardboard cutouts of cops strategically placed across the county to deter speeders.

Comedian Seth Meyers, host of the "Late Night" talk show on NBC got wind of the police tactic before using it as comedic fodder on Wednesday. In the show's segment dubbed "Jokes Seth Can't Tell," this painful barb was delivered: "A Texas sheriff has placed cardboard cutouts of officers holding radar guns on the side of several roads to deter speeding. And even one of those managed to shoot a black guy."

Chody was not amused, tweeting out his disenchantment at the humor attempt although confusing the show on which it was delivered with the "Saturday Night Live" offering. "Too bad they took the opportunity to use a proactive approach to serve the community and vilify police officers," Chody wrote.

The edgy attempt at humor didn't go over too well with the show's studio audience either, prompting a collective groan from those watching the taping.

The cardboard cutouts were unveiled in January. Chody posted a video of one of the cardboard cutouts at the initiative's unveiling purporting to demonstrate its effectiveness in traffic control. In the tweet, Chody revealed he named his cutout "Flat Wolf," adding "There he is. Deputy Wolf working in a school zone. Watch out for Deputy Wolf."

Meyers wasn't alone in mocking the idea. In response to Chody's video, Tactical Dog — a Twitter page devoted to spotlighting the work of police canines — posted a picture of a cardboard decoy picturing a canine. Their gentle ribbing, however, had a softer edge than that of the television personality. "Surrender! Or we'll release the cardboard K9! just an idea, could it work?"

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