The popular crime series "The First 48" will be following Gwinnett County Police homicide detectives, as part of a contract approved Tuesday by Gwinnett County commissioners.
The series, which airs on A&E, follows homicide detectives in the first 48 hours after a homicide as officers gather clues, interview witnesses and follow leads.
Gwinnett Police tout a success rate of 88- to 90-percent, outpacing the national average of 64-percent, which led the show's producers to try follow the department.
"I had had some previous reservations related to documentary programs that the county had been involved with, but after discussions ... those reservations are overcome by the fact that we have a great police department and a great homicide team," said Commissioner John Heard, who made the motion to approve the contract, which passed unanimously.
The contract with Kirkstall Road Enterprises, LLC, which can be terminated by either party over the next 60 days, stipulates that the show staff must follow any restrictions the department chooses to place upon it, and that officers will have a chance to check a "near final" copy of each episode to verify its accuracy.
Gwinnett Police Chief Butch Ayers told commissioners that the show would bring national exposure to the department, which would help with recruiting efforts.
The series has previously followed homicide investigators in Atlanta, Miami and Detroit, among other places. Its 17th season will debut this fall.
