Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Live broadcasts of police patrols contain strong content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Live PD
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say that the show showcases a mix of compelling police interactions and serious issues, including concerns about police professionalism, racial profiling, and the show's authenticity. Many reviewers express discomfort with the portrayal of law enforcement, citing instances of unprofessional behavior and exaggeration for entertainment, while others find value in using it as a teaching tool for appropriate conduct during police encounters.
- video portrayal
- police actions
- racial profiling
- teaching tool
- viewer dissatisfaction
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 5 kid reviews
What's the Story?
LIVE PD (aka Live PD: Rap Sheet) is a reality series that follows law enforcement across the country in real-time as they work the night shift. Hosted by Dan Abrams, each installment uses dash cams, fixed cameras, and handheld devices to simultaneously live-broadcast multiple police officers from different cities conducting traffic stops, following up on complaints, busting people for drugs, and responding to calls while on patrol. As the show switches back and forth to the more interesting events each police unit is dealing with, Abrams and co-host Tom Morris Jr. offer commentary. Crime experts and law enforcement officials also make guest appearances and add to the conversation. Pre-recorded police activity is also featured, often to give context to what audiences are watching live. From the backwoods of Florida to the highways of Arizona, officers willingly allow cameras to follow them to let viewers see what they do during a regular night on the job.
Is It Any Good?
This interesting series shows what daily police activity looks like across the country at a time when law enforcement is under public scrutiny. What sets it apart from similarly themed shows is the fact that viewers get to watch incidents unfold in real time. Most police officers are usually able to explain what they're doing and why during the process, or after a situation is under control. The hosts often address these reasons, and if they are justified.
There are some interesting, awkward, and intense moments. But Live PD uses its live status, and the constant shifting from location to location, to make events seem more exciting than they really are. Nonetheless, it also offers police officers a chance to be transparent, and to reinforce the idea that they are there to serve their communities.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what police officers do on a daily basis. What are the differences between what they do in real life versus how their jobs are portrayed on TV and in movies? Does Live PD give a good representation of what the police do?
What is the purpose of Live PD? To make police activity more transparent and restore public trust in the police? Or is it mostly about entertaining viewers? Do you think police officers behave differently when not on camera? Does this series change the way you think about law enforcement?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 28, 2016
- Cast : Dan Abrams , Tom Morris Jr.
- Network : A&E
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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