“COPS”: INSIDE STORIES FROM TV’S PIONEER REALITY SERIES
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Museum presents a panel discussion featuring John Langley, creator and executive producer of the reality television series “COPS.” Langley will be joined by Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo and former Clark County Sheriff Bill Young, both of whom appeared on the show.
Currently in its 28th season, “COPS” has followed law enforcement officers during patrol and other police activities in over 140 different cities. The long-running “reality” program was truly groundbreaking at the time.
This event will take a look at how Langley created the vision for “COPS,” what innovations he introduced to make it distinctive, how it played a role in the way America looks at police work, and the many challenges officers face as they investigate crime.
Stick around for the Q&A and you will have the chance to ask the panelists questions and discuss all your favorite episodes.
Courtroom Conversations: An ongoing series of moderated panel discussions exploring special insights into the history of Las Vegas, the Mob and law enforcement, featuring prominent speakers and high-profile public figures.
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Featured Speakers
Producer John Langley
A director, writer, and producer of television and film, John Langley is best known as the creator and executive producer of the long-running, critically acclaimed reality television show “Cops,” which premiered on the Fox network in March 1989. The success of “Cops” has certified Langley’s place in television history as a pioneer of the reality phenomenon. Langley is often credited with the “video vérité” style of the “Cops” program. Now commonplace, at the time this candid, unrehearsed video technique notably influenced TV advertising and news reporting, as well as other network and syndicated programming. Langley has received numerous recognitions for the series, including the American Television Award and four Emmy nominations.
Sheriff Joseph Lombardo
Lombardo began his law enforcement career in 1988 as an officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). He was promoted to sergeant in 1996. During his time as a sergeant, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for outstanding service to the Las Vegas community. Lombardo was promoted to lieutenant in 2001 and served the department in various capacities at this rank, including patrol lieutenant, executive lieutenant to the sheriff, and Search/Rescue commander. He was promoted to captain in 2006 and served as the bureau commander for the Southwest Area Command and subsequently the bureau commander for Homeland Security. In 2008, Lombardo was appointed as a deputy chief, serving as division commander of Support Operations, and he eventually became the division commander of the Patrol Division. Lombardo was promoted to assistant sheriff in 2011. After 26 years on the force, he retired as a commissioned officer and was elected in 2014 as sheriff of Clark County. In 2006, he completed his master of science degree from UNLV, as well as completing the 227th Session of the FBI National Academy.
Former Sheriff Bill Young
Born in Yerington, Bill Young is a fourth-generation Nevadan. As a child, his family moved to Las Vegas where he graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1974. Young is also an alumnus of UNLV, holding a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in emergency management. He began his career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as a patrol officer in 1979. In 1984 he was promoted to sergeant and his assignments included Patrol, Field Training and SWAT. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1986 and served in Patrol, as Operations Manager of the Communications Center, and in Vice/Narcotics. In 1995, he was promoted to captain and commanded the Support Services Bureau, overseeing the Resident Officer Program, K-9, Air Support, and Search and Rescue. He was promoted to deputy chief in January 1999 and assigned to the Detention Services Division. He took over as the deputy chief for the Special Operations Division in February 2001. Young was elected sheriff in November 2002. After his retirement, Young joined Station Casinos as its vice president of security.
