LAS VEGAS -- Reality television has been a popular trend for years and Las Vegas is an attractive setting for gritty, sexy shows. But the relationship between the Metropolitan Police Department and reality television is coming under fire, with a lawsuit and questions about spicing action up for the cameras.
The biggest game in reality television is Langley Productions. They created Cops, Inside American Jail and other hard-octane, popular shows. Sheriff Douglas Gillespie says they act professionally but at least one woman's life has been changed by what happened on camera.
Online, she's called "Hot Blonde Tina" and now she's suing. One day changed everything.
"I went to lunch, had a couple Long Islands, and the next thing I know, I woke up in the police station," said Tina Vlijter who is suing Langley Productions.
She never expected that boozy lunch to end with an appearance on the television show Inside American Jail which caught her experience at the Clark County Detention Center. Created by Langley Productions, the show found Vlijter in CCDC for a DUI arrest in 2008, giggling and acting out. She's on television because she signed a release form in a blurry haze.
"I don't remember signing anything. I don't remember them asking me anything. I don't remember even unbuttoning my blouse," said Vlijter.
Vlijter says since the show aired, she's been harassed on the street and online. "I was just devastated. I felt very ashamed," she said. Her lawyer, Easton Harris, says if the police thought she was too drunk to drive, why would Langley or police think she could sign the release?
"How can you possibly have a contract? How can you have valid consent and enter into any type of agreement?"
Read the Lawsuit filed against Langley and TBS
Now they are suing Langley and TBS for damages because of what happened. "Are they really in there to document what's going on? Or are they in there to make a buck?" Harris says it raises serious questions about the role of reality television in the police department.
"We have Langley that seems to have carte blanche access to the police officers around here," said Harris.
Langley has been working with Metro for nearly two decades on Cops and other shows. Activist Gina Greisen says it's time to stop.
"I think they've gone too far," said Greisen, local activist.
During the recent Trevon Cole coroner's inquest, it was uncovered that Cops producers had footage of drug buys. Greisen believes the need for good video trumped the need for good police work.
"Questions came up in the inquest. Who authorized Langley to be there? Who's authorizing this," questioned Greisen.
Months ago, the I-Team requested all contracts and memos between Langley and Metro. Langley took out a $1 million insurance policy to protect themselves and Metro from lawsuits. The department also gets full access to make edits to the shows before air. If it's on television, Metro saw it and approved it. Sheriff Doug Gillespie says that is handled by the Public Information Office.
Langley Draft Media Agreement
Langley Media Agreement
Langley Media Agreement
"I refer to it as edit rights, that we take a look at it in regards to what goes out," said Gillespie.
We were the first to show Gillespie the Vlitjer video. He sees little wrong with what happened. "By me looking at it, I don't see that she's acting intoxicated," said Gillespie. "Nowadays people in her situation sign releases which I believe that she did."
But is Langley too close to the police? The owners have given $10,000 each to Gillespie in recent elections along with another $10,000 donation in the name of the company. Gillespie says no one gets special treatment and dozens of other entertainment companies get the same access.
Langley campaign donations
"Allowing people access to see what it is that you do," Gillespie said.
"I don't think it looks good at all, said Greisen.
Harris and Vlijter just want the video to be pulled and damages to be paid.
"There's no way that person has consent. Yet there it is. There it is." said Harris.
"Now after all has been done, it's taken care of, everything's been ironed out, this pops up on TV and I have to relive it all over again," said Vlijter.
Langley Productions, based out of Santa Monica, California, did not respond to our interview requests. The sheriff says their crews have always been professional.
No court date has been set for the lawsuit but many of Hot Blonde Tina clips have been taken down.
Tina Vlijter
John Langley with Metro officers
Tina Vlijter
