Culver City is currently known for its “hip, cutting edge” offerings, but few remember a radio show called “Nightwatch,” which could be called the beginning of reality radio, then TV.
“Nightwatch” was the brainchild of Donn Reed, a Los Angeles “police recorder.” After a handball game with Ron Perkins, Reed, reportedly asked Perkins about his police work. Fascinated, Reed decided to put together a proposal for a new radio show.
It was a “ride-along” program during which Reed wore a hidden microphone as he rode along with a Culver City Police unit at night. The constant from CCPD was Sgt. Ron Perkins, who also served as technical advisor.
“Nightwatch” was a 50s “happening,” and there was press that related it to Dragnet. It all began at the front of CCPD, which was on Duquesne in the previous (1928) city hall.
The announcer started with “The sounds you are hearing are real. Remember all the people you hear are not actors. All voices and sounds are authentic.” Each episode followed the action on the night watch, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Programs ended with a narrative wrap-up from Chief Hildebrand.
It was such a hit that Perkins and Reed transitioned it to television. Most thought it was too complicated, especially to film at night.
Bill Burrud, who had produced Wanderlust and Vagabond, was the only one up to the challenge. His Bill Burrud Productions picked up “Nightwatch” for KCOP TV on Wednesday nights.
“This is more than just a drama. This is life itself. This is Nightwatch,” Burrud said.
Donn Reed and our own Ron Perkins became a television team, working as “Detective Unit FIVE SIX,” with the cooperation of the new chief, Eugene Mueller, who enjoyed a certain amount of drama. Although it may not be listed in the Classic TV series, it certainly was a milestone.
Ron Perkins retired as a captain, served later as a councilmember in Culver City before he and his wife Barbara (a CC police woman) retired to the desert, where Ron served on La Quinta’s city council. Ron Jr. also retired from CCPD.
One can often find episodes of “Nightwatch,” the radio show, online. In those twenty minute shows, I recognized many familiar voices—Ron Perkins, then Sgt. Bob Conlon, Lt. Charles Lugo, (my dad who retired as Captain in 1965), and others.
In one episode, the police car rolled for a “459” (burglary), “Code 2” (red light, no siren), and Reed described the casual conversation evolving into tension.
A prowler on Hazelton (now Kinston) was wearing a coat, tie, white shirt, but by the time the officers answered the next call—well you have to listen for yourself. At the end, Chief Hildebrand told of the resolution of the cases, asking for citizen cooperation since “Culver City had over 100,000 people coming through each week.” Simpler times, for sure.
