December 4, 2008 3:13 PM PST

Homeland Security: The reality show

by Robert Vamosi
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Queue the music: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is about to get its own reality show.

On Thursday, ABC announced a mid-season replacement show called "Homeland Security USA." From Arnold Shapiro, the Emmy-winning producer of such documentaries as Scared Straight," the network said the series will give viewers an unprecedented look at the work of the men and women at the DHS "while they use the newest technology to safeguard our country and enforce our law."

The 13 hour-long episodes were shot entirely on location throughout the United States.

ABC says the producers were given access to the agencies of the Department of Homeland Security and has the full cooperation of Customs & Border Protection (including its Border Patrol); Immigration & Customs Enforcement; the Transportation Security Administration; the United States Coast Guard; and United States Citizenship & Immigration Services.

The first episode, "This is Your Car on Drugs," is set to premier on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at 8:00 p.m.

As CNET's resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security. Listen to his podcast at securitybites.cnet.com or e-mail Robert with your questions and comments.
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by n3td3v December 4, 2008 4:13 PM PST
Cringeworthy.
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by eliteaux December 5, 2008 10:14 AM PST
I have to agree with n3td3v. I hope we are not the only ones that feel that giving an inside look into the DHS is a cause for concern. Imagine the information a hostile person could glean from viewing the show, examining the technology, learning persons' names, etc. Stupid, stupid idea if you ask me.
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by Dalkorian December 5, 2008 3:20 PM PST
LOL - issue comprehension FAIL. Finish school, then join the adults conversation.
by Pete Bardo December 5, 2008 10:46 AM PST
Give me a break! You really think this show is going to reveal DHS secrets? This show seems likely to be pure propaganda--the distribution of which within the US borders is illegal!

You mean we're gonna be able to watch Border Patrol officers shoot illegal border-crossers for throwning rocks! What great entertainment that'll be.

Even having a Dept of Homeland Security is obnoxious enough, now they'll have their own tv show? Where have I heard about this--control the media and you'll control the masses? Welcome to Amerika, it doesn't get better than this!
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by Dalkorian December 5, 2008 3:24 PM PST
Thank you, I was losing faith in us for a moment there.

Please excuse me while I puke in total disgust at the countless-plus-one-more atrocities this terrorist "administration" has inflicted upon us all.
by collegemadhous December 16, 2008 10:59 AM PST
Personally I am anxious for this show to begin. From what I can gather from the previews, Homeland Security, will be very similar to COPS..a show I enjoyed.
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by dr rw December 23, 2008 5:11 AM PST
I can imagine a similar show entitled, 'Welcome to Gestapo World' ... if only the gullible Germans had TV back in 1933.....

Unfortunately, we 'do' have TV..... More the pity....
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by teshlv January 4, 2009 1:22 PM PST
As the spouse of an agent I would love to know that my husband and his fellow agents that risk their lives daily are respected by their fellow countymen for what they do. They literally are fighting on the front lines of a war everyday. No one will ever know exaclty what is going on behind the scenes for these men and women, and I surely just get a hint of it. But I do know that countless hours are spent on my knees praying for his safety when he is 5 or 6 hours late from his shift. I do know how many lives his unit has saved, and that his backpack full of supplies and food are emptied on nearly a daily basis in caring for the people they do find and help. A thankless job indeed, and I don't know what this show will be like, but i do hope it will enlighten the publlic just a tad on the good this dept. does.
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by island_hunter January 5, 2009 8:39 AM PST
I can not wait to see this show!!!!! I hope it will be able to show people that you can love or hate em but there are people out there doing what needs to be done so their candy @$$ can have time to write nonesense about their own coutrymen who are fighting for us a.k.a AMERICANS.
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by llmarjay January 5, 2009 8:25 PM PST
country men who are fighting for US? - give your head a shake. Risking their lives was another comment - f off u stupid americans
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by snapps06 January 7, 2009 1:50 PM PST
Ill have to agree with the propaganda theory here. While watching this show i found it very scripted, and the kind of trouble some of these people get into they would have rather have died then getting sent back to there country of origin.... However in most cases they would not be shipped back the would be detained and stripped of all rights not giving a unescorted ride back to there homelands.
I mean having a record like i have and the knowledge i have of the TRUE judicial system in American as of now is to get them in charge them make them bond for cash and keep them on a leash/paper as long as possible and try for a second chance to make more money..
Its extortion really. Fake tires without radial treads, crappy acting, unreal dramatizations of actual events just made me look for others spotting this "scare tactic".
I really felt as if i was watching a newer (late 90's) metal shop safety film honestly.
Its not like this stuff doesn't happen everyday, I'm just saying the footage shown is not real at that time...........
I respect anyone who is willing to die in the line of duty for anything they believe in. Terrorism is real but who are the real terrorist? So might say we are the terrorist.
Self Preservation; get a CHL or CCW that is homeland security at its most basic level.


This says everything.
"From Arnold Shapiro, the Emmy-winning producer of such documentaries as Scared Straight,"
Propaganda

Ps did anyone catch the counter diction show that was aired afterwords in the same "formula" and "acting styles" as the homeland security show?
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by xtremebudzz January 13, 2009 9:57 PM PST
This show wont last long, I hope. What a joke.
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