COPS

COPS is an American reality television series that follows police officers, constables, and sheriff’s deputies during patrols and other police work. It is one of the longest-running television programs in the United States and is often considered the original reality television program. Created by John Langley and Malcolm Barbour, it premiered on March 11, 1989, and has aired over 600 episodes. It won the American Television Award in 1993, and has earned four Emmy nominations. It celebrated its 650th episode on May 20, 2006.

COPS is broadcast by the Fox Network, and follows the activities of police officers by embedding camera crews with police units. The show’s formula calls for no narration or scripted dialog, depending entirely on the commentary of the officers and on the actions of the people with whom they come into contact.

The show has followed officers in 140 different cities in the United States, and also has filmed in Hong Kong, London, and the former Soviet Union. Each episode is approximately 22 minutes in length, and typically consists of three segments, with each segment being one or two self-contained police incidents.

The show is well known for its theme song, “Bad Boys,” sung by reggae group Inner Circle.