I agree, it's real, but heavily edited. Obviously riding in a patrol car for 8 hours is probably boring, and they're not going to show that, because viewers would become bored, and change the channel. It seems they follow certain officers who are probably assigned to particular sectors, because they know there will be action in those areas that will appeal to viewers. We all know certain parts of town are more active with regard to police activity, so those are the ones they most likely focus on for the show. Certain areas are known for specific activity, as well, not just crime in general. People on the street know which sections to visit for drugs, prostitution, etc., and so do the police officers, and those filming/creating shows like Cops. I think the show gives a decent portrayal of what happens during the active parts of some shifts, and I find it entertaining.
