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Commissioners postpone decision on proposed jail filming by Langley Productions
Summary
A Sheriff’s Office request to allow Langley Productions (producer of Cops and similar programs) to film inside the county jail was postponed so the full board can consider security and privacy protections; staff described vetting and review protocols.
The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners on March 3 postponed a decision on a request from Langley Productions to film inside the county jail, citing security and privacy questions and a desire to have the full board present before voting.
Captain Jeremy Hy of the sheriff’s office told commissioners the production company approached the department and presented a plan to limit filming to booking areas, vet camera personnel and provide the sheriff's office with review of footage before any material airs. "...they're wanting to film in our jail...it would also be a good recruiting tool," Hy said, noting the county would require protocols to protect inmates and staff.
On staffing and scope, Hy told the board the crew would be limited: "no more than usual. There's one camera person and one producer and they will stay in the booking area. They'll be vetted before they come into the building." He added that participation by inmates would be voluntary and footage would comply with laws and security protocols.
Several commissioners said they preferred the full board be present for the decision. One commissioner said, "I am of the opinion that we probably should have the entire board here for this one." The board agreed to resubmit the item for consideration at the next meeting so all members can participate.
The item will return to the agenda in a future meeting with a clearer timeline; Captain Hy indicated the proposed filming window was likely in May.
