x
Breaking News
More () »

Hazleton City Council Wants ‘Cops’ to Stop Filming

HAZLETON — The reality show “Cops” is causing controversy in Hazleton. For the last week, the show’s TV crews have been following police...
haz cops

HAZLETON -- The reality show "Cops" is causing controversy in Hazleton.

For the last week, the show's TV crews have been following police and that's making some city officials and residents unhappy.

The president of city council called a special meeting Tuesday night, saying he is very concerned the show will hurt the city both in liability and in image. Most of the residents who spoke out at the meeting agreed.

“Cops” may be a popular TV show, but it was clear from most of the residents at Hazleton City Hall the show’s TV crew is not welcome in the city.

“How is it going to benefit our city having ‘Cops’ here, seriously, how’s it going to benefit? You going to show that we have a heroin problem,” said Judy Yurcha of  Hazleton.

“I don’t want my house, my town being broadcast on TV,” said Theresa Maresca of Hazleton.

“Cops” camera crews have been riding along with city police officers for about a week with the intent of airing the department on the show. It was approved by the mayor and acting police chief, but city council says it and residents weren’t consulted on this decision. That’s why this special meeting was called.

“They didn’t ask anyone. We don’t even know at this point in time how the decision was made to do this,” said Hazleton resident Larry Collum.

The majority of council is worried about liabilities to the city, even though the mayor says the show has paid for a $1 million insurance policy.

“I know we’ve got insurance for our police officers, but does it cover something like this?” council member David Sosar asked.

Most people at the meeting were worried about what the show would do to Hazleton’s image.

“Do we really want to focus on the negative?” asked Yurcha.

“I can’t sell my house for what it’s worth and you want to put this as a show,” added Maresca.

Others say the show would highlight the hard work of Hazleton’s police.

“Here’s your chance to see what these police go through every single day and how many calls they go on every single day. This is our chance to see the positive,” said business owner Shayne Balliet.

The only decision council made at the meeting was to ask the city solicitor to write up a resolution or letter asking the “Cops” production company to stop filming the Hazleton Police Department.

Before You Leave, Check This Out