I did'nt even know they were in the city. The Chief seems like a douche
http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060728/NEWS/607280701/1116
http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060728/NEWS/607280701/1116
Television show pulls up stakes
By Scott J. Croteau TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
[email protected]
WORCESTER— The perceived negative light the city and its residents could be placed in was one of the reasons Police Chief Gary J. Gemme gave for stopping the television show “Cops” from filming in the city.
Wednesday night the chief met with a group of respected community leaders who voiced concerns about the show being in the city. The group, including local clergy, the minority community and the Henry Lee Willis Community Center, were concerned the show would cast residents who are in lower socioeconomic levels or struggling with addictions in a negative light.
“It exploits some people with some challenges,” Chief Gemme said. “I just believe it is in the best interest to ask ‘Cops’ to leave.”
A protest this week claimed the television cameras encouraged police harassment and unfairly portrayed residents. About 75 people gathered at City Hall to protest.
“That protest had absolutely zero effect on my decision,” the chief said yesterday. “I’m trying to be chief of police for everyone in the community. Some people are going to think I caved in under pressure. So be it.”
Bringing the show and its crew into the city was a sound decision at first and would have showcased the officers of the department and their work, Chief Gemme said. He added he had received support for having the show in town from city officials. He admitted yesterday he had only caught a few episodes of the show here and there and wasn’t a regular viewer.
“I should have done my homework,” said the chief. “I should have understood what they were really about.”
John Langley, creator and executive producer of “Cops,” said it is unfortunate the crew was asked to leave after filming in the city for just over a week.
“We are documentary filmmakers,” he said. “We go out and show what it is like to be a cop. That’s all we do. It was unexpected.”
People arrested in public places can be filmed, he said. Having the police department on television lets people see what’s happening in their neighborhoods, he said.
“I like a transparent police department and to see what’s going on in my community,” Mr. Langley said.
Chief Gemme said he spoke to Mr. Langley Wednesday night and asked if the producer would show positive stories as well. The producer rebuffed the request, stating the audience didn’t watch the show for that, the chief said.
This is only the second time a city has reversed its decision to have the show film its officers. Cincinnati officials decided against having the show in their city in 2004, according to Mr. Langley. The “Cops” crew went back after the officials changed their minds, he said.
“Maybe Worcester will change its mind,” he said. “We’ll be happy to film there.”
For now the show will have to find another community to film in, he said. The show is currently filming its 19th season. “Cops” had not been in Massachusetts for some time, Mr. Langley said, recalling Lynn and Boston as the other cities where crews filmed officers.
The community leaders gave Chief Gemme a perspective he didn’t have. He said there are people in the city suffering from alcoholism or other vices that force them to work as prostitutes. The community leaders discussed how those people would be exploited.
Keesha M. LaTulippe, assistant to the executive director at the Henry Lee Willis Community Center, said the community leaders were not criticizing the police in the meeting. Several officials believed the program would not showcase the city in a good light, she said. Police officers in the department offered their pros and cons to the chief as well.
“He heard the concerns of the people and was sensitive to that,” Ms. LaTulippe said. “I think it is amazing the chief decided to pull ‘Cops.’ ”
Xavier A. Johnson, program director at the Worcester Youth Center, was one of the protesters at City Hall earlier this week. He said he shared the chief’s sentiment. He and Chief Gemme said having “Cops” film here does not outweigh the positive relationship the police and community have formed over the years.
“Why would we put those great relationships at risk for something like that,” Mr. Johnson said. “We want to build the relationship with the chief of police.”
Mr. Johnson said if the chief had final say on what would be shown on the air, he wouldn’t have had a problem with the show.
“ ‘Cops’ is out to do one thing; show the bad stuff on television,” he said.
The crew was scheduled to be in the city for eight weeks. Chief Gemme said that shows “Cops” is not invested in the community and there is a larger agenda to deal with. There are other ways to showcase the positive work of the department, he added.
“This was not an issue where we wanted to divide the community,” Chief Gemme said.
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