Paranormal Cops (A&E)

PARANORMAL COPS follows four Chicago police officers who spend their nights investigating reported cases of paranormal activity. Cameras follow Sergeant Ron Fabiani, Detective Tom Froelich, Officer Austin Weinstock, and Officer Pete Schleich as they apply their sleuthing and forensic skills to figure out what's allegedly haunting people’s homes and businesses. Out in the field, investigative assistant Brian Jones monitors their progress from the mobile C.P.D., while psychic Moriah Rhame helps the team communicate with any ghosts and spirits they may find and videographer Scot Ziarko records their progress for further research.

The series, like many similar shows, uses dim lights, eerie music, and lots of ghost-busting jargon to create an entertainingly creepy experience. What sets Paranormal Cops apart from the crowd is the cast’s attempt to connect the alleged paranormal activities with some of Chicago’s mafia history and criminal folklore.

Some of the scenes are spooky, but there are also some silly moments -- like when the tough-talking investigators offer detailed descriptions of their investigative techniques to the alleged ghosts in the room. The way the team connects the strange encounters with dead members of Chicago’s underworld also seems a little too contrived. But for those who like this sort of thing, the series will probably be very entertaining.