Beech Grove PD 'taking a break' from TV show, On Patrol: Live

The Beech Grove Police Department is stepping away from "On Patrol: Live," a TV show that broadcasts real-time feeds of police agencies around the country — at least for the summer.

A BGPD spokesperson announced the hiatus in a tweet issued Monday.

"BGPD will be taking a break from 'On Patrol: Live,'" the tweet read. "We’ve enjoyed appearing on the show and hope to be back in the future! We’re happy for the opportunity to show viewers the hard work our officers do every day and we thank our citizens and #OPNation for their support."

Beech Grove Deputy Police Chief Robert Mercuri told IndyStar he already regretted the hiatus.

"This decision has been in the works since February," Mercuri said. "As administrators, we see the incredible value of the show, but it's a big ask to have people ride around in your car for eight hours. We just thought we'd give everybody a little break."

Mercuri said while there were no guarantees, he'd like to see Beech Grove PD return to On Patrol: Live in the fall.

Reelz series "On Patrol: Live" launched in July 2022 and reached almost 4 million viewers each week. Mercuri said one of the show's opening shots was of Beech Grove police officers pursuing a vehicle on I-65. In February, producers announced the show had been renewed through January 2024.

Beech Grove's police department has appeared in several notable episodes, including an Indiana father who was charged with neglect after video showed his toddler son waving a handgun in the air, then pointing the weapon at his head.

In April, an Indy actor driving a vehicle made to look like a 1960s police squad car was pulled over by Beech Grove police for a busted headlight. The actor, Joel Alvarado, a co-producer of the movie of "Mayberry Man" answered the officer's questions, but comments by "On Patrol: Live" hosts led to ridicule on social media.

While controversies have emerged with TV shows broadcasting police officers in the field, Mercuri said such programs are ultimately a boon for law enforcement.

"We think it's been a great thing for our community," Mercuri said. "Shows like this are important. They humanize police officers and the struggles of being a police officer while we deal with people from all walks of life."

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