BUENA PARK : Local TV Spotlight Shines on Police

With a video camera in hand, Russ Sindt rolls the tape to get footage of a firetruck, siren blaring and lights flashing, as it arrives on the scene of an accident on Beach Boulevard.

Sindt shoots from behind the scenes as firefighters give medical aid to a woman who was hit by a car while walking across the street against a red light, and Buena Park police officers talk to witnesses.

“We go where (the action) is, and we keep our distance and shoot it,” said Buena Park Police Sgt. Terry Branum.

The footage will be used in a program about pedestrian safety on Buena Park Cable Television’s “Crime Watch.”

“Crime Watch” is the second most-watched show--next to City Council meetings--on Buena Park Cable’s Channel 20, which airs entertainment and recreation events and public awareness programs.

“Crime Watch,” produced in conjunction with the Police Department, is a 30-minute show that is aired four times a week and can also be seen in Fullerton and Placentia.

Sindt, the show’s executive producer, and Branum, co-host, take to the city’s streets to shoot crime as it’s happening. The program also features in-studio interviews with Branum and other guests, with Kim Thompson as host.

The show garnered a 1992 award from the governor for its “outstanding contributions to crime prevention” in a media presentation.

“It certainly reflects the quality of the program, which has been well-received in our community,” said Police Chief Richard M. Tefank.

Branum said the show is popular among residents because it has a local flavor.

“They can see what’s going on in their community,” he said.

“Crime Watch” has featured segments on police pursuits, hostage-rescue situations, drunk driving and murders.

“Videotaping a person getting a speeding ticket just doesn’t cut it for this show,” Sindt said.

Branum said the show not only tells citizens about crime in their community but also offers viewers tips on preventing auto thefts and residential burglaries. The show’s goal is to reduce crime in the city.

Branum said the topic for this month’s shows is gangs and gang prevention. Gang activity and violence in Buena Park have increased dramatically in recent years. There have been three recent gang-related shootings, and a man was killed in one of the incidents.

Sindt said the show is produced on a meager budget. It is one of 38 community informational programs produced for a total of $32,340 this year. The Buena Park Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, sponsors the shows.

On nights that tapings are scheduled, there is no guarantee that crime will happen and footage will be captured for the next show, Sindt said.

“It’s very frustrating at times,” he said. “I call this stuff: ‘We’re going fishing.’ We never know what we’re going to get.”

Branum said the show is a public relations tool for the Police Department because it gives a plug for officers and the jobs they perform.

“We put them in a good light,” Sindt said. “It’s a positive avenue for them to relate to the public.”

Officer Bret Kirk, who has appeared in shows, agreed that it gives the public a different perspective on police work.

“In our job, you don’t get a lot of patting on the back,” Kirk said. “So when the public sees us and when the officer sees himself on the program, it kind of boosts his ego.”