Sheriff’s Dept. Goes Hollywood

A new reality show in the works and plans to hawk merchandise to cadets are the latest splashy promotional bids by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The Board of Supervisors approved the two proposals Tuesday, both of which will bring the department revenue and exposure.

The proposed television program, “Sheriff’s Stories,” would follow a single suspect through the investigative process, said Executive Producer Paul Joseph of Creative Chaos Productions. It is the third reality show in development based on the department. Another potential series would focus on cadets’ experiences and the third is expected to be similar to “Sheriff’s Stories.”

Producers must pay the county $6,500 for option rights, $10,000 for access to create the show and $6,000 for a half-hour pilot or $7,500 for an hourlong show.

The county is to receive 22% of the producer’s profits.

The department’s size and complexity are “perfect for our type of show,” Joseph said, citing motorcycle, helicopter and harbor divisions. “There’s a nice diverse range of things to pull from.” The show would include patrol, detective and specialized units on and off duty.

Although reality programs can often shape situations’ tone through editing, “Sheriff’s Stories” will “present the department in a good light,” Joseph said.

The department welcomes the positive publicity: “It’s important for people to know what we’re doing, so they can see how good a job we do,” said Capt. John A. Franklin. “We’re an open book.”

The Sheriff’s Department will also have final say over what appears in a show, Franklin said, so there’s no chance of a flashy, “Cops”-style series airing. Producers are barred from private areas such as homes and ambulances, and will not show custody operations. Should any of the series be picked up for broadcast, they would be expected to boost recruitment, Franklin said.

Supervisors also signed off on a trademark licensing agreement between the graduation memento company Jostens and the Sheriff’s Department to make class rings and diploma frames for academy graduates. The department will receive 5% of revenue from the merchandise, which will include the sheriff’s star and the slogan “A Tradition of Service.”

Such a merchandising arrangement is unique in the department, said Deputy Rich Pena. The agency will have safeguards in place to ensure that only department employees or those with legitimate connections to deputies will be able to purchase the rings, Pena said. “We’re guarding this zealously.”

The Los Angeles Police Department also has items for sale to employees.

“We want to project ourselves in the best possible way,” Franklin said, adding that such an agreement involves little risk for abuse. Sheriff Lee Baca endured criticism for issuing a now-suspended group of civilian volunteers and campaign contributors photo identification cards with Baca’s signature and the sheriff’s star logo. The group is under state investigation.

“We’re protecting our image,” Franklin said.

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susannah.rosenblatt@latimes.com