"Cops" creator John Langley tells the New York Post that it’s getting harder to tape a seven-minute segment because the police are "more timid."

"There’s less crime, and we live in a litigious society. If you make a mistake, someone may sue you," Langley said.

After 25 seasons, he said, "It’s more difficult to do the show than it’s ever been.”

“In the old days, police would chase them,” Langley said. “Now, they often let felons go.”

Morgan Langley, John Langley’s son, who’s also a producer on the show, added: "You can’t run out and be an incredibly proactive cop without taking some risks.”

But the report notes: “One thing has become easier, getting the suspects to sign release forms allowing their faces to be shown on TV, even if — as in most cases — they weren’t looking their best being frisked and cuffed.

Said John Langley: “We don’t pay anyone anything to be in ‘Cops.’ But most are enthusiastic. They want to be on the show.”

The first episode of the 25th season of "Cops" airs tonight, with one segment featuring the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department chasing a zebra, the story notes.