Charlotte-Mecklenburg detectives don't typically release much information about active homicide cases. In fact, they rarely talk publicly about cases even after arrests are made. Eyewitness News has learned that the department plans to participate in a new reality show that will require them to give unprecedented access into the inner workings of homicide investigations.The First 48, which airs on A&E, follows homicide detectives on cases across the country. Memphis, Detroit and Philadelphia are just a few of the cities that have participated in the show. Its premise is that if investigators don’t have a lead within the first 48 hours after a murder, their odds of solving the case are cut in half. The show’s cameras are there for every step of homicide investigations.
CMPD Homicide Capt. Paul Zinkann said the show approached department officials, who ultimately decided participating would be a good thing for them and for the city. Zinkann said the show would be a good way “to show the community the effects homicide has on families and communities and to highlight the tenacity of the work by detectives that investigate these cases."
Beginning in a few weeks, crews will tag along with detectives, spending nearly every waking moment with them. The access is a drastic departure from the policy CMPD and the district attorney's office generally abide by, which is to say nothing at all.
“We just don’t make any comment on any case where charges have been filed, and we really don’t talk about any investigation,” District Attorney Peter Gilchrist said.
Even though the First 48 waits eight to 12 months to air episodes, it can take years for some cases to go to court. That concerns Gilchrist, who said he is worried about intimate details being released before trial.
“We don’t want any evidence out there,” Gilchrist said. “We can’t tell the public what the facts and circumstances are about a case. The jury shouldn’t be prejudiced before they hear the state’s case.”
Memphis police said they cut ties with the show after deciding it portrayed the city in a negative light, but CMPD hopes viewers see it differently.
“It’s also important to always highlight that homicides we do have,” Zinkann said. “We have men and women who stand ready to go after each and every person that commits a homicide.”