The show that gave Memphis, Tennesee the title of “murder capital” is coming to Atlanta.

Dekalb County Police has signed a contract with producers of the popular A&E docu-drama “The First 48,” and production crews began shooting just last week.

The metro Atlanta county is divided over how the exposure will affect Dekalb County murder investigations. Some officers believe the national exposure from the documentary television series will help with recruiting, while others are concerned it could actually help criminals instead.

The show airs on cable and tracks detectives across the country as they work to solve homicides.  If you are a fan of the show like I am, you easily recognize the show by that ticking sound along with the male voice… “…the clock starts ticking the moment they are called.”

DeKalb County spokeswoman Mekka Parrish said officials view the opportunity as a positive move for the department.

“These detectives work 24 hours a day and this is an opportunity to showcase their hard work, not only for them, but to give the public a better understanding of what goes on when these crimes are committed,” Parrish said.

Channel 2 checked with a representative of the DeKalb County Fraternal Order of Police, who told Byfield that some veteran officers are concerned the show will teach criminals the procedures & tactics of the force.  They are also concerned about compensation, but there won’t be any.

“There is definitely no monetary compensation,” Parrish said.

While no money will exchange hands, the show’s producers have agreed to a produce recruitment video for the department and a public service announcement. “Something we will turn and use in the community to educate our community about particular crimes,” said Parrish.

In their first week of shadowing, the crews followed investigators to two homicides, including one at the Lenox Summit Complex where police said a man killed his wife and then the attempted to poison himself.  The production staff decided not to use that material.

The crew will shooting in Dekalb for at least a year and no air date has been set for the episodes as of yet.