Cops and First 48

With shows such as Cops and First 48, how are they able to film individuals as they undergo criminal charges? Do the criminals sign a release form just before they go to jail?
 
For the ones who's faces are shown, they'd have to get a release at some point. No release == blurred face. At least I think. Never watched First 48, haven't watched Cops in years.
 
I knew they would have to sign releases, but ive always wondered why ppl do it.

Better to be on tv in an infamous way than not be on tv at all? How significant is the compensation?
 
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Better to be on tv in an infamous way than not be on tv at all?

For a lot of folks that wind up on The First 48, yes. Were it not for this sad fact, a whole ton of reality shows/daytime talk shows/judge judy-type shows wouldn't have any content.
 
I, too, wonder why. I suspect being on TV is a driving force - to many
people, being on TV can be very enticing. I don't know for sure about
those two shows but in general those types of shows do not pay
anything.
 
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