Best Episodes
COPS is one of the first (and only) true and UNSCRIPTED reality shows, it follows the activities of police officers by embedding camera crews with police units.The show’s formula follows the Cinéma vérité convention, with no narration or scripted dialog, depending entirely on the commentary of the officers and on the actions of the people with whom they come into contact.COPS has followed officers in 140 different cities in the United States and also has been shot in Hong Kong, London, and the former Soviet Union. Each episode is approximately 22 minutes in length and typically consists of three segments, with each segment being one or two self-contained police incidents.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 10, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
When Detectives Rudy Reynoso and Juan Gonzalez of the Las Vegas, NV, Metropolitan Police Department respond to a call regarding the discovery of a human skull in a local park, they conduct an extensive and cautious search. With the assistance of a forensic anthropologist, they find additional human bones and discarded clothing in the immediate area. After an exhaustive day, the remains are identified when the serial number from a cell phone is traced to a man who has been reported missing. Another segment featuring the Las Vegas, NV, Metropolitan Police Department follows Officer Christopher Curtis responding to a domestic disturbance call. At the scene, the officer interviews a woman who claims that her unstable ex-boyfriend tried to break into her apartment. The ex-boyfriend confirms the woman's account and eventually comes to the emotional realization that he loves a woman who does not feel the same.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 14 votes.
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The episode was rated 7.75 from 12 votes.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, officers respond to a disturbance call where a customer was threatened by a disturbed man.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 18 votes.
When an officer investigates a distress call from a nearby apartment complex, he attempts to detain an uncooperative male.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 12 votes.
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The episode was rated 7.85 from 13 votes.
Stories include a fight call, police respond to a theft call as students attempt to steal a hotel's fake flamingo, and a prostitute is arrested during a traffic stop.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 12 votes.
From Gwinnett County, GA; Las Vegas, NV; and Travis County, TX. Stories include a fight in progress call; a family dispute; and a car stop reveals a large quantity of marijuana.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 14 votes.
Stories from Ft. Myers, Fl.. Las Vegas and Lee County, Florida. Police are dispatched to a call from a person who was approached by a man with a gun that claimed he had used it in robbing a bank.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 12 votes.
A suspect with two felony warrants tries to run away while handcuffed; a portable fingerprint device confirms a fugitive's identity after he's located at a convenience store.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 12 votes.
When Detective Jason Lando of the Pittsburgh, PA, Bureau of Police investigates suspicious activity in a parking lot frequented by drug users and prostitutes, the parked driver claims to be waiting for her daughter. As the investigation continues, officers recognize the driver’s daughter as someone they encounter frequently. The shaky young girl is found with drug paraphernalia and the situation becomes very emotional as she is detained in front of her mother. On the other side of the country, Sgt. Tom Jenkins of the Las Vegas, NV, Metropolitan Police Department stops a young female behaving suspiciously on the legendary Las Vegas strip. After the female suspect lies to Sgt. Jenkins, she eventually breaks down and admits to working the streets. Another segment features Officer Derek Bishop of the Spokane, WA, Police Department, responding to a call where a female suspect claims to be hitchhiking. Although she was ticketed several weeks before for prostitution, she maintains her innocence. When officers begin to question her credibility, some arresting surprises surface and the suspect attempts to bargain with officers.
The episode was rated 8.07 from 15 votes.
When Det. Joe Lewis and Sgt. Jason Snyder of the Pittsburgh, PA, Bureau of Police stop a vehicle, the driver immediately speeds off and a chase ensues. Once apprehended, the suspect tells the undercover officers he was afraid of being sent to jail for having a small amount of “weed” in his pocket. However, as the investigation continues, we learn that the suspect has been convicted of a felony. Another segment features Officers Derrick Pendergrass and Zach Fuller of the Chattanooga, TN, Police Department stopping a vehicle for having tags that don’t match the car they are allegedly registered to, and for failure to maintain lanes. The driver appears very nervous and immediately hands the officers an empty plastic bag. This intoxicated suspect admits that beer somehow spilled in the front seat of his car
The episode was rated 8.08 from 12 votes.
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The episode was rated 8.09 from 11 votes.
Police respond to a domestic disturbance call and find a man who says he fears for his life because his wife is a belligerent, violent drunk.
The episode was rated 8.17 from 12 votes.
Stories are from Gwinnett, County, Ga, Las Vegas, Nv, Travis County, Tx and Atlanta, Ga. A backpack full of drugs is found during the arrest of suspects in an area known for heroin deals.
The episode was rated 8.27 from 11 votes.
An officer stops a vehicle for a missing tail light and quickly discovers the driver is hiding a jar of methamphetamine.
The episode was rated 8.45 from 11 votes.
