The A&E television series "The First 48," a documentary series that follows homicide investigators — especially in the first 48 hours of an investigation, could be following Gwinnett County detectives later this year.
"The benefits of allowing this documentary television series access to the department (includes) nationwide exposure for the department, which will be useful in recruiting new police applicants," said Butch Ayers, Gwinnett Police Chief, speaking at a Gwinnett Commission work session Tuesday.
Commissioners postponed their vote until August 1; it was originally scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
The agreement, which would be good for one year if approved, states that the show's producers must comply with any restrictions or instructions given by the department, and Gwinnett Police will have the right to review "near final" copies of the episodes to verify their factual accuracy.
"The solve or clearance rate of our homicide unit has been in the 88- to 90-percent-plus range over the last several years, while the national homicide clearance rate is about 64-percent," said Ayers.
"The First 48" will launch its 17th season this fall.
It has previously followed investigators in a variety of U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Miami, Detroit, Dallas, Memphis and Las Vegas.
