MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Could MPD-TV be a reality? Baltimore's Police Department recently launched the first program of its kind in the nation. It's a live stream newscast with police officers delivering department news. Shelby County Deputies and Memphis Police are watching closely.
It's the latest way Baltimore is fighting crime, officers setting down guns and cuffs for microphones and cameras. Baltimore Police recently launched its daily newscast as a way to bring back a neighborly relationship with the community.
Shelby County Sheriff's Office spokesperson, Chip Washington, says it's a concept that could catch on. "I think anytime you keep citizens aware of what's going on in their community it's always a good thing. Creative partnerships from that help law enforcement do their job better."
The Sheriff's office hasn't considered starting its own newscast, but Memphis police have. In a statement, a spokesperson with MPD says, "Starting a newscast is worth considering. We've included it on our "Wish List" of ways to reach the community. It could be beneficial."
Washington says, "MPD did have a show like this in the 70's, I don't know what the success rate of it was. It's an interesting concept and a novel concept. I guess with all the law enforcement agencies around the country you have to figure out if it's best for you from a demographic standpoint, media standpoint, and how it would benefit you down the road."
MPD says if they developed a newscast, they would relay positive stories to the public, solicit help from the community during investigations, promote safety and inform viewers on crime prevention strategies.
Washington says, "If you were to do something like that I think it would be another tool, an added tool in reference to what the news media does every day. You have a time constraint and only have so much time to do certain stories, it could be possible."
