SOUTHWEST OHIO 'Cops' gets invitations to film

Cincinnati's police chief canceled filming over council members' concerns.
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Neighboring cities and police departments are having the television show "Cops" film their officers now that Cincinnati has backed out of its agreement.
The show began filming Cincinnati's officers Tuesday, but Police Chief Thomas Streicher Jr. canceled the agreement Thursday after several city council members said the show might portray the city negatively. Vice Mayor Alicia Reece said the city is still working to overcome the stigma of riots in 2001 after a black man was fatally shot as he ran from police.
Norwood Mayor Tom Williams, a former police officer, said he welcomes having the show tape the Cincinnati suburb's officers. The suburb arranged for the show to film officers Friday night. He said the show will help increase the visibility of the police force.
Filming deputies
John Langley, creator and executive producer of "Cops," said Friday he plans to film Hamilton County deputy sheriffs within the next six to eight weeks for use on the show's 17th season starting this fall. Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. plans to meet Tuesday with one of the show's producers.
"We're definitely going to stick around. We've already got crews there, all geared up. We've got a production office there," Langley said by telephone from his office at Langley Productions Inc. in Santa Monica, Calif.
Mayor Butch Callery of neighboring Covington, Ky., also extended an invitation after police Chief Thomas Schonecker said he would welcome having film crews ride with officers.
"It just really gives you a real true insight of what's happening out on the street. ... I think the program has been very positive for police," Schonecker said.
Langley said he was surprised that Cincinnati officials changed their mind because city council knew that his program had obtained permission to film police.
Cincinnati's police union said it was in favor of the filming, saying it would show the department's professionalism to the nation.
Lt. Kurt Byrd, spokesman for the Cincinnati Police Department, declined to comment Friday.
Reece said Friday she stood by her decision not to go along with the filming.
Upcoming resolution
Cincinnati Councilman Sam Malone said Friday he will introduce a resolution next week in support of allowing police to be filmed.
"We should be proud of the work they do and excited about the opportunity to showcase our officers to both local residents and a national audience," Malone said.
The city endured three nights of riots in 2001 after a white officer shot to death an unarmed black man wanted on misdemeanor charges when he ran from police. The officer was cleared of charges at trial.
City officials say they have begun improving education and job opportunities for black residents and are sponsoring programs in which residents and police work together to fight crime.