'Police Women' Crosses a Blue Line

Ana Murillo is one of four female deputies from the Broward Sheriff's Office who are featured in the TLC show "Police Women of Broward County." Photo courtesy of TLC.

I first realized that I wanted to become a police officer after watching the TV show "COPS," when it first came out in the early '90s. I watched an episode that featured a female officer from Broward County, and all I could think about was, "I can do that, I want to do that! Wow, that could be me?"

Needless to say, the idea of a career in law enforcement prior to that never entered my mind. I went on a ride along and the rest is history.

When I found out TLC had a new TV show called, "Police Women of Broward County," my first thought went back to the "COPS" episode that influenced me, and I thought, "This is exactly what women in law enforcement and young girls and women need."

I was hoping it would show how women can do the job the same as men, and how women balance being mothers and wives with this type of career.

When I watched the first episode, I was shocked that these women who risk their lives every day are showing their children's faces on TV for the world of criminals to see. I believe that reality TV has now stooped to a new low. Granted, "COPS" influenced my career path and future, but after becoming a cop, I soon realized that the reality cop shows give away too much to the criminal element.

Instead of having a positive view of this show featuring strong, hard working cops and mothers, I am disappointed and shocked by their decisions as well as their agencies decisions to put their families at risk for the sake of a "reality" TV show.