Pierce County, Lakewood turn down invitations to be on 'COPS' TV show

TACOMA -- The city of Lakewood and the Pierce County Sheriff's Department are both saying "thanks but no thanks" to the producers of the successful 'COPS' television show.

The News Tribune of Tacoma reports both the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and the Lakewood Police Department have turned down invitations to have the show filmed locally.

The show begins airing its 26th season this fall and for years Pierce County and Lakewood were frequently featured.  In fact, more then 50 segments have been filmed in Lakewood while about 150 featured Pierce County deputies.

A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department says it no longer has enough officers to accommodate filming the show, but it's not ruling out shooting episodes again sometime in the future.

Lakewood city officials say it’s moving on, because the city is now “focused on economic development and enhancing the quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

To read more about the decisions not to get involved in the show, click on the story at The News Tribune.