Live PD – the “live” A&E TV show that “rides along” with police officers from 6 departments across the country, including Richland County Sheriff’s Department, a la Cops – has stirred up some local controversy, especially since the July 8 chase of Bryan Allan Martin, who held a toddler in his arms while struggling with an officer before his arrest.

➕ Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and his Department say being on Live PD is a positive thing; providing greater transparency about the police force at a time when people are demanding it, due to incidents like the North Charleston Michael Slagler shooting.

➖ However, some say the show is purely entertainment and that it exploits suspects (often low-income black and white people) at their worst moments. Others worry about how Columbia is being perceived by being on the show.

Live PD’s ratings have increased 152% since it began in October of 2016. People attribute the success (over other police shows like Cops) to the live factor. How live? There is a slight delay in case of unviewable content. Live PD airs on A&E every Friday + Saturday, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

18 min read / Free Times