PHOENIX (CBS5) -
Reality TV shows are more popular than ever, and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is a seasoned veteran.
MCSO has been highlighted in a number of shows and the sheriff has just signed off on another one called Cop Swap.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will send one deputy to London to work with a law enforcement agency there for 10 days, while a British officer will come to Arizona and work with MCSO.
MCSO Media Director Lisa Allen told CBS 5 News that the British officer will work with their SWAT team, but he will not handle any weapons or take part in any direct law enforcement activity.
"While it's entertaining, I think it's going to be educational for everybody to understand what we go through - how we train and how difficult these jobs really are," said Allen.
CBS 5 News asked Allen whether a reality show was the best use of MCSO resources.
"While it's going to be info-tainment, both entertaining and informative, it's not going to be cumbersome upon our agency whatsoever," said Allen. "It's not costing taxpayers anything, and for us that's always been the bottom line."
Maricopa County's Board of Supervisors approved the project Wednesday by unanimous vote after learning that the reality show won't cost taxpayers any money since the show's production company is picking up the tap.
Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox said that she had concerns about a possible lawsuit if the British officer is allowed in one of Maricopa County's jails.
Wilcox said that she is hoping Cop Swap will not only be educational for viewers, but for the sheriff as well.
"I thought great, England has less gun violence and they don't carry guns very often," said Wilcox. "Maybe we'll learn something. We're not going to stop the sheriff. He loves the media and loves to have TV shows. Maybe this will be more positive and he'll learn something."
There's no word yet on what the show will air.
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