Texas county settles for $2.5 million over ‘Live PD’ arrest

A reality show gone too far

In a dramatic turn of events, a Texas county has agreed to a $2.5 million settlement over allegations that a SWAT team arrest was sensationalized for the A&E reality show, “Live PD.” The incident in question, which occurred in May 2019, involved Gary Watsky and his son Asher, and has since sparked widespread scrutiny over the show’s influence on real-life law enforcement activities.

The events leading to the controversy

Gary Watsky described in court how deputies broke down his front and back doors, deployed a flash-bang grenade, and stormed his house without a warrant. Held at gunpoint, Watsky was searched and taken outside, where he noticed a TV cameraman and learned that the search was being filmed for “Live PD.”

The deputies’ actual target was Watsky’s son, Asher, who had appeared in court earlier that day on another charge. According to the lawsuit, Asher could have been peacefully detained at the courthouse, but deputies opted for a dramatic and violent raid for better television.

Settlement and commissioners court approval

The Commissioners Court of Williamson County approved the $2.5 million settlement by a 4-1 vote, with no public discussion. The settlement was part of a broader examination of the work dynamic between the county sheriff’s department and the “Live PD” production team.

Past abuses and their serious implications

This incident is one of many troubling cases linked to the sheriff’s department and “Live PD.” For instance, in March 2019, Javier Ambler died after deputies repeatedly used a Taser on him despite his pleas, stating he was unable to breathe and had a heart condition. Two deputies were charged with manslaughter in connection with Ambler’s death but were later acquitted.

The sheriff at the time, Robert Chody, was also accused of covering up the incident by arranging for the “Live PD” footage to be destroyed. This led to a $5 million settlement for Ambler’s family, the largest in county history. Chody, who lost his re-election bid in 2020, later faced severe backlash for his alleged misconduct and negligence.

The role of ‘Live PD’

The Watsky lawsuit accused Chody and his deputies of seeing themselves as actors on a reality TV series rather than public servants. The lawsuit suggested that many deputies enjoyed the fame and attention that came with the show, leading them to heighten the drama for better viewership. Chody even promoted episodes of “Live PD” at local movie theaters.

Ending the relationship with the show

Following numerous complaints and rising concerns about insurance premiums, Williamson County sought to cancel its contract with “Live PD” in August 2019. Despite initial attempts to sever ties, Chody reportedly continued allowing filming until the county sued him in 2020 to ensure the contract termination was enforced.

County lawyers criticized Chody for prioritizing his TV persona over his responsibilities as sheriff. “His job is sheriff, not TV producer, reality TV star, or show business agent,” they argued. Eventually, “Live PD” was canceled by A&E in 2020 amid the George Floyd protests, but a show with a similar format, “On Patrol: Live,” now airs on Reelz.

The broader impact

This case reflects broader societal concerns over media influence on public institutions and the potential ethical dilemmas that arise when reality television intersects with real-life law enforcement. The events in Williamson County serve as a cautionary tale of how the pursuit of entertainment can sometimes eclipse the serious and life-altering responsibilities of public service.

Conclusion

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