Live PD is the ratings-winning law enforcement ride-along show that airs on Friday and Saturday evenings at 9 p.m. Eastern time on the A&E television network. Videographers embed with officers from eight different police agencies. A Live PD recap follows below, with Friday night’s episode marking its 200th episode, #LivePD200.
Because of its often intense action, unpredictability, danger, plus quirky and humorous, and sometimes mundane, interactions between cops and citizens, Live PD is perhaps the closest thing that even approaches appointment TV anymore in the fragmented entertainment space.
With 32 live feeds coming into the studio, most segments air with a reported five- to 20-minute tape delay. When nothing is happening in real time, pretaped segments air, which Live PD describes as incidents that happened “earlier.”
Many thanks to Twitter user TG LivePD (@TLivepd)for compiling and sharing all these video clips on social media.
As the Live PD disclaimer indicates, not all outcomes are known, and criminal charges may have been reduced, dismissed, or never filed.
When alleged criminal activities are depicted on Live PD, all persons are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.
Rules of the Road?
Many subjects who appear on the show are covered with tattoos (as are some of the cops), love cigarettes, and often have warrants, along with carrying contraband on their person and/or in their vehicles, the latter which are often unregistered and/or uninsured. Contraband plus no valid license/registration is usually an ill-advised combination.
“I only had two beers” is a familiar mantra from motorists pulled over upon being asked by cops if they had anything to drink that evening.
Expect the Unexpected
Traffic stops are often like a flea market. You never know what the officers might find inside vehicles after either a probable cause search pursuant to a K-9 alert or consensual search. Moreover, no license, no registration, and no insurance consists of a trifecta in many of those stops.
Motorists sometimes claim to hold a valid driver’s license, but for some inexplicable reason, they aren’t carrying it with them. Or it was stolen.
Some, but not all, of the subjects express excitement about being on Live PD.
In switching quickly from sequence to sequence, and as you’ll see below, Live PD does not always provide an update of how cops resolved a particular encounter, if at all.
This Week on ‘Live PD’
If you’re wondering what happened on Live PD this weekend, a recap of the April 19 and 20, 2019, episodes of Live PD follows, including the debut of Lawrence, Ind, PD.
Again, please understand that what is depicted on the show, including any arrests, constitutes just allegations.
The Suits Have Arrived
To commemorate the 20th episode, host Dan Abrams and studio analysts Tom Morris, Jr. and Sgt. Sean “Sticks” Larson, who wore suits for the occasion, answered some questions from Live PD Nation.
Among other things, Abrams claims that he comes up with the puns and double entendres mostly on his own. Abrams also noted that he eventually may personally do a ride-along with one of the featured law enforcement agencies.
Abrams and Morris fortunately vowed no tattoos (unlike Sticks who already has a sleeve). As far as scheduling is concerned, Sticks explained that after finishing his Tulsa PD shift on Thursday afternoons, he catches a flight to NYC for his Live PD gig.
During the broadcast, Abrams reminder viewers over and over that it was the 200th episode. He repeatedly promoted yet another spin-off called Live Rescue to be hosted by Ashleigh Banfield, who joined the men in the studio. Banfield also brought in a #LivePD200 “cake.”
If Live Rescue is going to focus on medical emergencies, it’s going to be hard pass for this blog, however. Whether fact or fiction, television should never trivialize health or medical issues.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Abrams also announced an 11-day Live PD marathon starting next Friday. It sounds like it is going to consist of mostly repurposed content (while the crew goes on vacation?), plus one actual live episode sprinkled in.
As much as Live PD Nation loves the show with good reason, history has demonstrated, though, that on television, the risk of oversaturation is…oversaturation. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is an example of a once-popular show that was run into the ground.
Live PD has yet to dispatch a crew to Amsterdam. This blog has recommended that the Amsterdam Center tourist hub is an ideal venue for Live PD.
‘Live PD,’ Season 3, Episode 57, April 19, 2019
- Greene County, MO — Deputies responded to neighbor dispute involving an alleged extra-marital affair and an alleged assault. Spoke with one neighbor; no answer at the other residence.
- Salinas, Cal. — Officers responded to a car vs. pedestrian/bike incident. Minor injuries. Driver likely not cited.
- Lawrence, Ind. — Traffic stop; no license. Officers found drug paraphernalia in vehicle. Driver arrested.
- Salinas, Cal. (pretaped segment) — Bicyclist fled from officers on foot. Subsequently taken into custody for resisting arrest, providing false info, and a warrant.
- Oklahoma Highway Patrol — Couple with three dogs came upon an unrelated traffic stop with three dogs apparently just wanted to be on Live PD. Driver had no license (“stolen wallet”). Abrams: “They still need the driver’s starter kit, right, which is your wallet, insurance, a rear window, etc.”
- Warwick, R.I. — Officers attempted to serve outstanding warrants for domestic assault and armed robbery.
- Williamson County, Tex. (pretaped segment): Abrams: “A guy on his bike was riding by the seat of his pants: two pair actually.” Traffic stop; no headlight on bicycle. Subject was wearing two pairs of pants which prompted Abrams and co. to suggests that the “these are not my pants” alibi might have worked this time. Deputies charged subject with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
- Warwick, R.I. — Officers responded to residence on a request to remove a man’s brother from the home. “No brotherly love” graphic.
- Richland County, S.C. — Foot pursuit of person who allegedly fled scene. One subject located at residence. Firearm found somewhere outside on ground. Deputies continue search for a second subject. Woman at residence appeared to strike camera.
- Williamson County, Tex. — Traffic stop; brake light out. No license. Driver’s parent may not have given permission to daughter to operate vehicle.
- Greene County, Mo. — Abrams: “A woman who burned down the house she was renting returned and not everyone was happy about it.” Deputies asked woman to leave and she left cordially.
- Franklin County, Ohio — Traffic stop. No license. Drugs found.
- Hazelton, Pa. (pretaped segment): Abrams: “A man wanted to pick some fried chicken. One problem: No driver’s license, so he just winged it.” Traffic stop; passenger side headlight out. Driver was on the way with his kids to KFC. Cops indicated that the driver was a habitual offender for driving under suspension. Driver also told cops that he was wearing an ankle bracelet. Cited for driving while suspended. Cops asked him to call a friend who was a licensed driver to the scene otherwise the car was getting towed.
- Okla. Highway Patrol — Highway pursuit; subsequently called off.
- Greene County, Mo. — Traffic stop on truck. Driver had multiple warrants.
- Warwick, R.I. — Suspicious parked car. Occupant had warrant.
- Warwick, R.I. (pretaped segment): Abrams: “A woman found out what it means to buy a used car on Facebook from a complete stranger and it was pretty much exactly as you’d imagine.” Officer determined that paperwork didn’t add up; car does not appear to be legitimately registered. No insurance either. He released driver but told her to straighten things out with DMV.
- Williamson County, Tex. — Deputies responded to neighbor report of a possible burglary of a vacant residence. Lt. Kennedy noted that the home had the indicia of a break in. Deputies cleared the home thoroughly.
- Franklin County, Ohio — Traffic stop. Vehicle search. Two subjects detained. Possible stolen diapers.
- Crime of the Week, Pasco County, Fla. — Morris, Jr.: “Troopers in hot pursuit of three young women sunbathing in the nude at a highway rest area.” Footage of wild police chase, which made national news. Cops charged the trio with fleeing to allude, resisting arrest, aggravated assault, and lewd acts.
- Okla. Highway Patrol — Traffic accident; motorcycle.
- Lawrence, Ind. — Traffic stop; headlight out. Driver informed officer that he had a gun. Officer verified that the gun permit was in the works, pending payment. Driver had no criminal history Released with gun.
- Salinas, Cal. — Officers responded to report of burglary in progress. Originally went to wrong house. Officers cleared correct house; suspect wearing mask had already fled.
- Greene County, Mo. — Traffic stop on truck. Expired plates; headlight out. Deputy said vehicle smelled like weed. Abrams: “Sometimes pork chops can smell like marijuana.”
- Richland County, S.C. — Deputies responded to out-of-control party with 200-300 teens in attendance. Deputies attempted to dispersed crow. Girl at party pepper sprayed some of the party goers. Several fights broke out. Deputy Simmons described the situation as “dangerous as it gets,” “insane,” and complete chaos,” and called upon parents to supervise their children better.
- Warwick, R.I. — Officers approached suspicious vehicle (van). Subject appeared to admit he used drugs earlier that day. Drug paraphernalia found. K-9 deployed.
- Lawrence, Ind. — Traffic stop; headlight out. Driver not carrying license.
Abrams ended show thanking LivePD Nation for enabling the show to reach the 200-episode milestone.
‘Live PD,’ Season 3, Episode 58, April, 20, 2019
Dan Abrams continues to promote Live Rescue and the Live PD marathon. Ashleigh Banfield again sits in with the trio and will also substitute for Abrams next Friday night.
- Salinas, Cal. — Traffic stop; alleged truck carjacking. Officers take female into custody. Officer Muscutt says that suspect in carjacking previously dropped purse and gun in commission of crime. Abrams: “A combination of very good police work and very bad criminality.”
- Greene County, Mo. — Deputies respond to salvage yard for three alleged shoplifters. Male subject had various items in wheelbarrow. Female deputy finds seat belts in woman’s bra. Two males and one female arrested for stealing and given trespass warning. Abrams: “Those are different kinds of bra straps that we ordinarily see on Live PD.“
- Warwick, R.I. — Apparently intoxicated man won’t leave residence. Possible bad reaction to marijuana. Morris: “Kids, this is a god example of why you should never, ever do drugs. Look at him; he’s a mess…that’s not a good look.”
- Warwick, R.I. — Officers respond to brothers arguing over car issue. Not a police matter.
- Okla. Highway Patrol — Traffic stop, trailer lights out. Driver released with warning. Abrams: “Mad Max mobile with all that metal.”
- Richland County, S.C. (pretaped segment): Traffic stop, speeding. Abrams: “A driver said that bags of powder in her car were herbal supplements and laxatives, which turned out to be a load of crap.” Deputies allegedly found meth and/or fentanyl. Both occupants charged with possession with intent to distribute.
- Warwick, R.I. — two car accident among friends. “Crashing with friends.”
- Lawrence, Ind. — Traffic stop; K-9 did not alert. Driver had no license; girlfriend coming to pick up car. K-9 is trained to shut police car door on its own.
- Warwick, R.I. (pretaped segment): Abrams: “Officer Steere pulled over a driver with a sizeable crack in his windshield. But that wasn’t the only crack he had to worry about.” Traffic stop for no seat belt of known target of known narcotics investigation according to Steere. Cops allegedly found baggies of heroin or fentanyl in subject’s butt after strip search at station.
- Okla. Highway Patrol — Traffic stop; neither of the occupants had valid license. Issued seat belt ticket. Trooper told them to park car and let mom come to the scene and drive it home. Left vehicle at Mark Twain Park. Abrams: “Huck and Tom taking a walk through the park to get someone to pick up the vehicle.”
- Salinas, Cal. — Traffic stop; overly tinted windows. No license. Friend who was a valid driver picked up car. Driver released with warning for tinted windows and driving without a license.
- Okla. Highway Patrol — Traffic stop on truck; no seat belt. Vehicle search. Good Samaritan was giving two persons who were allegedly impaired a ride home. Female passenger claimed to have consumed a 12-pack (on Live PD, the traditional mantra is “two beers.)
- Greene County, Mo. — Traffic stop; no plates, failure to maintain a lane. Deputy gave portable breath test to driver who passed. Car search. Driver told to pour out cup allegedly containing an alcoholic beverage. No charges apparently.
- Slidell, La. (pretaped segment): Domestic disturbance allegedly involving Mr. Johnson. Male party arrested for domestic battery.
- Okla. Highway Patrol — Traffic stop for failure to maintain lane. Subject driving under suspended license. Admitted to warrants. They were just traffic warrants, however, so he was released with a warning.
Missing segment, Providence, R.I.:
- Greene County, Mo. — Traffic stop (car didn’t immediately pull over). Deputy indicated strong marijuana odor coming from vehicle. One of the occupants told deputy there was a shotgun in the car. Deputy found and confiscated weed. No charges; subjects told to call someone to the scene to drive car home.
- Wanted segment, Oakland, Cal., alleged hit and run:
- Williamson County, Tex. (pretaped segment): Abrams: “On this show, we often hear officers say ‘honesty can go a long way. Well, that proved particularly true during a traffic stop earlier in Williamson County.” Traffic stop; expired registration, no insurance, “whiff” of marijuana, no license. Driver admitted to having a small amount of marijuana which he handed to deputy. Received ticket just for possession of drug paraphernalia and released.
Wichita, Kans. (pretaped segment): Abrams: “A domestic call that involved tequila, cheese, and vampires.” Apparently intoxicated woman arrested for battery.
Okla. Highway Patrol — Troopers assist local PD in vehicle pursuit.
- Lawrence, Ind. — Traffic stop; headlight and taillight out. Driver admitted to having small amount of marijuana. He stomped on it at request of officer and was released with no charges.
- Lawrence, Ind. — Suspicious vehicle. Two subjects bailed after parking car. One subject located outside residence which he claimed was his own house but was locked out. Actual homeowner didn’t know the subject. Subject arrested on outstanding warrants. Banfield: “…when the facts get in the way of a good story.”
- Warwick, R.I. — Officers responded to bar disturbance. Allegedly intoxicated male reportedly threatening to fight patrons. While in police cruiser, subjects false teeth fell out. Officers placed item in evidence bag. Subject transported to hospital for detox. No charges.
- Nye County, Nev. (pretaped segment): Abrams: “You know the old saying, ‘this town ain’t big enough for both of us.’ In Nye County earlier, that same sentiment could have applied to one single, narrow road.” Man driving Mini Cooper who was looking at a possible property acquisition in the neighborhood allegedly blocking road so that residents couldn’t get by according to reporting party. Abrams: “That guy should be thanking them because now he knows he doesn’t want to buy property there.” Morris, Jr.: “And if he really wants to see it, he should get a drone and just fly it out there and take a look.” Deputy discussed dispute with all parties but determined this not to be a police matter.
- Salinas, Cal. — Officers respond to domestic incident. Parolee allegedly was impaired and fighting with family members. Officers arrested him on parole violation.
- Richland County, S.C. — Traffic stop. Driver said he just bought truck. Deputy smelled weed. Guns found. One subject said his CCW permit expired. Turns out there was active CCW in another state. Subjects released with a ticket for open container. No other charges.
- Lawrence, Ind. — Report of shots fired at apartment complex. Officer says this is a recurring problem at that location. Possible subjects scattered; no evidence of shots found.,
- Salinas, Cal.: Officer responds to shopping cart on fire.
Abrams says Banfield will sit in for him on next Friday night’s Live PD episode. End of show.
I just Love the Stupidity At It’s Finest Which it only Reinforces why we Need so many Law Enforcement Departments . Even if the Officer could be Conceived as Out of Line at Times . But then You Have to Realize He Just Almost Killed Someone or Anyone to Continue their Selfish Criminal Spree that Everyone but Themselves Are to Blame Instead of Just Owning It . P.S. 4-20 and Jimmy Fallon & Freinds is lol Guaranteed to Get Some Undesired Or Desired Attention . Lol Keep Up The Good Work .👍
I see 1 taped incident from Hazleton, Pa.
Thats it, i watch and never see them, anyone know what dates they are featured on..??