Reality TV show COPS films at Wood County Jail

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – A crew with the reality TV show “COPS” has been filming at the Wood County Jail over the past several weeks.

Sheriff Shawn Becker says the filming came about because of contacts he’s maintained after attending a leadership training course in Georgia.

“And one of them just reached out, we had a group message going, and said hey, COPS just filmed a TV show over in our area in Georgia,” says Becker. “Anybody interested in doing that? Especially on the jail side of things? And I’m like, wow.”

Personal connection to the show

Becker says this is personal for him. He attended college at UWSP and served an internship with the Stevens Point Police Department.

“That was the big hook. But the other part of it was the “COPS” show had started, you know, during that timeframe and I remember, I believe it was seven o’clock Friday nights. I was watching.”

Having been a fan of the show from the beginning, Becker said he still has a couple of VHS tapes of the show from the 90’s. One of the members of the film crew worked on those episodes and autographed the VHS sleeves.

Concerns over COPS show

“COPS” aired for 32 seasons when it was cancelled in 2020 by the Paramount network. During that time, protests were happening over the role of policing after the murder of George Floyd. COPS returned in 2021, this time on Fox Nation.

Sheriff Becker said staff at the jail expressed some concerns about the filming.

“ Staff was a little bit apprehensive,” says Becker. “I’m like, no, this is a highlight of you. You know, and how you treat people and how you work together as a team. And the film crew did just an outstanding job just working with people and making them feel comfortable.”

He adds that everyone involved has to sign a release to be on camera.

“ All the staff that is (in) any footage, they have to sign a release and so do the inmates.”

Opportunity for Wood County

Becker calls the filming an opportunity, not just to showcase the new jail facility but also the people who work there. 

“With this focusing on the jail, I think it gives the, not just local community, but the country, an opportunity to highlight us,” explains Becker. “And, and I think that’s a great bragging moment for all of us to have. When you see what our corrections officers do, that  live here locally in Wood County and how they treat people.”

The footage has been sent to L.A. for editing, and Becker says it will be sent back to the sheriff’s department for final approval.