TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – What if you could see the inner workings of law enforcement without being on the force?

“On Patrol: Live,” is a TV show that follows law enforcement departments in eight cities across the United States, including Toledo. In October, the show extended its contract with the Toledo Police Department and the city of Toledo.

“For us, ‘On Patrol: Live’ provides a great opportunity to introduce our department to the community,” said Toledo Police Chief Mike Troendle.

According to documents dated Oct. 22 and 23, the city of Toledo and Half Moon Pictures, LLC (producer of On Patrol: Live) extended their contract through Sept. 15, 2025.

Troendle told 13 Action News he believes “On Patrol: Live” helps strengthen TPD’s relationship with the community.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about what we do or how we operate or how we enforce the law, so I think it gives viewers an opportunity to see law enforcement as it is on the street,” Troendle said.

The contract between the city of Toledo and “On Patrol: Live” gives show producers exclusive access to ride with patrol officers.

But what does Toledo get in return? As part of the contract, Half Moon, LLC must pay the City of Toledo/TPD $650 for the license for each week the department is featured live in an episode.

While it may not seem like much, the Toledo police chief said he believes the benefit of the show outweighs any payment the department receives.

“It helps our department with recruiting and just to show the types of things that we go through every day and you know we’re human, we’re officers, but we’re trying to do good for our community.” Troendle said.

He said the officers volunteered to participate in the show and had citizens recognize them on the street.

“Anecdotal stories of people coming up to (the officer) and saying I watched you on the show and I want to do this,” Troendle said.

The chief said he has no tangible data, but believes the exposure has increased the number of requests the department receives.

Some viewers have criticized “On Patrol: Live” for airing vulnerable moments for the entire country to see.

Troendle said anyone recorded is in the public eye or has given consent. Television crews are not allowed to follow officers into private residences or businesses. The chief said TPD and the show use discretion.

“I think they’re pretty vigilant about it, I think our officers do a good job there of trying to shield those situations from public view, and so I think we work hand and hand with the show on that,” Troendle said.

The chief said he hopes TPD can be featured in the series for years to come.

“I think we will continue to collaborate with the show. As we have done in the past, we will take breaks to give our officers a period of rest … but I see no reason why we should end our relationship with the series,” Troendle said.

When the current term expires in September 2025, the agreement can be renewed for successive one-year periods of up to five years.

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