It's said that the first 48 hours are the most critical in a murder investigation.
Wait too long and evidence disappears. Stories change. Suspects flee.
In 2004, the Arts & Entertainment channel took that theory and turned it into a hit series. "The First 48" follows real-life detectives from across the United States as they attempt to solve homicides within the two-day timeframe.
While bigger cities such as Miami, Detroit, Memphis and Phoenix have been regular featured locations in the past, Tucson was added to the show's roster in November.
The first episode filmed here aired April 3.
The second Old Pueblo episode will follow homicide detectives as they attempt to solve the murder of Derreck Burruss, a 16-year-old who was shot and killed in early January near the Park Place mall.
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The case was set to air tonight, but has since been pushed back according to A&E.
Tucson police spokesman Sgt. Fabian Pacheco shared with us how the show is filmed in town:
How did the Tucson Police Department get involved with "The First 48?"
"They came to us and wanted to know if we wanted to participate in November. We agreed to do that. That way we could give the public a view beyond the police tape. They can see how homicide detectives for the Tucson Police Department investigate their cases and how something like this really evolves. Believe it or not, there is a lot of work involved. Shows like 'Law & Order' wrap up an episode in one hour. This show does an effective job of illustrating everything involved, from the moment the detectives begin their investigation. They develop leads along the way. They speak to witnesses and their investigation narrows to the point where they get a suspect or suspects and make arrests. That is the unique part about this show. Viewers are able to see all of this."
Does the film crew have to follow strict rules?
"Obviously, there are certain things they can't show as far as the victim goes and certain things they have to do. There are a lot of requirements, even for the people who participate in the show."
Is there any concern that this show might tamper with resulting court cases?
"No. It gives you kind of a basic overview of an investigation, but it doesn't go into the very specific details that might prejudice the case or a potential jury pool. It doesn't affect that. When the Tucson Police Department considered participating in this, they were in discussion with our department's legal adviser and also the Pima County Attorney's Office. A lot of those people were in the loop saying, 'OK, let's make sure this doesn't affect the case long term.' Precautions are taken to make sure no prejudicial evidence or statements go in."
Is Tucson now in a regular "First 48" rotation?
"We don't know. We have at least one after (the Burruss episode) and possibly a few others. Not every single case meets the criteria. You've got to wrap them up within two days. Sometimes, you have cases that have nothing to go on, then maybe a month later, get a break."
Does the TPD choose which cases crews can follow them on?
"(Film crews) go out on all of them and later on they decide which ones they want to highlight. When they aren't actively following leads, they are doing editing work and finishing interviews with detectives and going about their day-to-day routine."
On TV
"The First 48" airs at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursdays on A&E.
