“Ozark Law,” a 10-episode A&E television series featuring the Osage Beach Police Department, airs new episodes Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. CST on A&E. Watch the trailer on YouTube.
A documentary crew rode along with lake-area law enforcement last summer for an inside look at how a team of small-town officers handles the tens of thousands of tourists who descend upon Lake of the Ozarks.
For most of the year, Osage Beach is home to nearly 5,000 full-time residents. But on holiday weekends in the summer, that number swells up to 100,000, putting extra pressure on officers to keep order.
“We’re fortunate to live in a place of natural beauty where people want to visit,” said Osage Beach Police Chief Todd Davis. “But when the population rapidly multiplies literally overnight, it presents unique challenges for our officers. The series shows how dedicated we are to serving the Osage Beach community.”
The unscripted, documentary-style show features law enforcement with the City of Osage Beach and Lake Ozark. Production company Lucky 8 approached both cities earlier this year for permission to shadow officers on daily patrols. Filming with Osage Beach officers wrapped in early fall.
“Ozark Law” is produced by Lucky 8 for A&E Network. The photos below feature some of the Osage Beach Police Department officers and staff involved in the series.
L-R (above): Chief Todd Davis, Cpl. Stephen Riner, Ofc. Nathan Verploeg, Ofc. Ryan Leonard
L-R (above): Ofc. Summer Phillips, Ofc. Jeff Roediger, Cpl. Pete Leyva
L-R (above): Ofc. Kale Kaegy, Sgt. Bobby McCrorey, Ofc. Johnathan Rosenberg
Not pictured: Ofc. Phylicia Carson