News	News category

Court order scuttles Dallas jail documentary

05.07.2008 15:00 Arts - Source: cbc.ca

A Dallas judge has granted a temporary restraining order preventing a Discovery Channel documentary crew from filming inside the Dallas county jail system.

County commissioners petitioned for the restraining order on Wednesday after saying they had not been consulted by the county's sheriff, Lupe Valdez.

Comissioners also raised concerns about inmate privacy, outside access to the jail and security breaches.

The cable channel wanted to examine the jail system because of a federal court order forcing the county to improve jail conditions. Dallas County jails have failed five consecutive state inspections. Four of those inspections were under Valdez's watch.

"We had hoped that the documentary would be a great opportunity to make the jail more transparent. Our only intent was to bring positive attention to the accomplishments of this department, its employees and Dallas County," said a statement released by Valdez.

Valdez said the Discovery Channel selected another facility for the documentary.

The sheriff's decision to allow a seven-member crew to film for 30 days put her at odds with the county. Valdez says that it's her jail and that she alone decides who can be invited in.

As an elected official, Valdez has autonomy from the county, but it is county commissioners who hold the purse strings.

With files from the Associated Press

Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK

More TV Headlines

Court order scuttles Dallas jail documentaryA Dallas judge has granted a temporary restraining order preventing a Discovery Channel documentary crew from filming inside the Dallas county jail system. Larry Harmon, longtime Bozo the Clown, dies at 83Larry Harmon, who turned the character Bozo the Clown into a show business staple that delighted children for more than a half-century, died Thursday of congestive heart failure in Los Angeles. He was 83.Venezuelan TV station punished for daytime broadcast of The SimpsonsVenezuela's broadcast regulator has decided on a punishment for the local TV station that aired The Simpsons in a daytime slot: public service announcements.Jeff Goldblum to replace Chris Noth on Law & OrderMr. Big is being replaced by The Fly as Chris Noth departs the television series Law & Order: Criminal Intent while actor Jeff Goldblum takes his place. The Wire, The Tudors and The Office in the running for EmmysThe Wire and The Office are among the 10 drama and 10 comedy semifinalists for this year's Emmy nominations.

More Arts Headlines

Staff puzzled by National Gallery chief curator's sudden exitThere's been an upheaval at Canada's National Gallery in Ottawa with the abrupt departure of chief curator David Franklin.Ancient site of Pompeii declared a disaster zoneThe Italian government has been forced to declare a state of emergency at the archeological site of Pompeii because of its severe state of disrepair. Man rips head off wax Hitler figureA man tore the head off a controversial Adolf Hitler wax figure at Madame Tussaud's new wax museum in Berlin on its opening day.French singer Aznavour to receive Canadian honour in Quebec CityFrench singing legend Charles Aznavour, named as an honorary officer of the Order of Canada on Tuesday, is set to receive the prestigious honour in person this weekend.Comic book artist Michael Turner dies of bone cancerMichael Turner, a comic book artist who drew covers for major titles such as Superman/Batman,The Flash and Civil War, has died. He was 37.