As a general rule, I think that the cops don't have a financial incentive for success. Sure, they may confiscate the perp's vehicle or computer, but it's not like there's a direct financial relation to the arresting officer.
NBC is in it for the money. Pure and simple. Makes me question their motives.
If it gets the ratings, you should ask the same of the viewers. It’s not that different from watching the news. After the Virginia Tech shootings, I got a great education on how the media “makes” the news. The gunman sent the videotape to NBC because he knew he could control the news media.
In this case, people want to see these guys get busted. Their lives were not ruined when they got busted. They were ruined long before that time.