The First 48

"The First 48" is a reality television show which follows homicide detectives during the first critical two days of death investigations in various American cities. The program began airing on the Arts and Entertainment cable channel in 2004.

Producers first contacted the Birmingham Police Department about documenting investigations in Birmingham in 2007. The idea was welcomed by then police chief Annetta Nunn, but was nixed by then-mayor Bernard Kincaid, who stated that the camera crews might interfere in investigations.

After taking office in November 2007 Mayor Larry Langford hired A. C. Roper to take over the police department. In July 2008 Roper announced that the program would be coming to Birmingham later in the summer.

Crews from "The First 48" arrived in early September. The first case they documented was the shooting of Demetrius Reigns, a little-league football coach who was shot to death in Inglenook on September 4. Executive producer Mike Sheridan praised the department for its cooperation and professionalism. The first episode to include segments from Birmingham aired on February 5, 2009. A second episode featuring Birmingham investigations aired on February 4, 2010.

References

• Ohnemus, Phillip and Michael Nix (July 22, 2008) "A&E Show “The First 48” Coming to Birmingham." CBS42 news
• Crowe, Christina (January 22, 2009) "The First 48." Black & White. No. 360, p. 12

External links

• About The First 48 at aetv.com