'Police Women' Crosses a Blue Line

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.