Do Police Officers Get Paid for Being on Live PD?

The television show Live PD, which aired from 2016 to 2020, featured real-life police departments from across the United States. One common question that arises in relation to the show is whether the police officers appearing on it were compensated for their participation. The truth is that the compensation arrangements can vary significantly, and they are typically not directly paid by the show itself.

Compensation for Live PD

For Live PD, the circumstances vary depending on the specific department and contract. Officers participating in the show usually received some form of payment or incentive, but these are often indirectly linked to the television show. Some departments involved in the show might receive funding or resources as part of the agreement. However, the financial compensation for individual officers is typically minimal.

No Compensation for Typical Police Work

It is important to note that officers are not compensated for their everyday duties. In the example of the Cops show featuring the Sheriff's Office, no officers or department received any payment. What they gained was increased public attention, which can be both positive and negative. This kind of exposure was intended to provide viewers with a more realistic portrayal of daily law enforcement activities, thereby highlighting that not all officers are involved in misconduct.

Compensation for Appearances as Hosts

When police officers appear on programs such as Live PD as hosts or presenters, they may be compensated. This is because their role in hosting is considered a form of part-time employment and does not constitute their primary duty as police officers. According to law, it is generally illegal for police officers to receive direct compensation for their regular duties, including those involved in reality TV shows.

Consent and Participation

Officers participating in shows like Live PD often sign release forms. The police departments typically hand-select the officers to participate, often through a voluntary process. Individuals like John Anderson, who worked at a Sheriff's Office, were advised that signing these release forms was voluntary. Anderson declined to sign because he did not wish to be on TV.

The Process On the Ground

Typically, two different television programs were filmed at Anderson's agency, and both operated in a similar manner. They chose specific officers and requested them to participate in the filming. If an officer agreed, they had to sign the necessary waivers. However, the show's producers usually blurred out faces to protect the officers' identities, ensuring that only the notable incidents were highlighted.

In summary, while certain forms of compensation exist for officers who participate in shows as part-time hosts, regular police patrols or involvement in reality TV shows do not come with direct compensation. The focus is on gaining visibility and showcasing the reality of law enforcement, rather than financial gain.