Shields of Honor

 ((Mon. (11), 8:30-9 p.m., ABC-TV))

By TONY SCOTT

Taped in Las Vegas, Florida and Oregon by Paul Stojanovich Prods. in association with A.D. Prods. Exec producer-creator, Paul Stojanovich; co-exec producer, David A. Simons; supervising producer, Richard Herlan; producer, Mark Hufnail; co-producers, Dean Barnes, Gordon McLean III, Fred Gargiulo.
 

Host: Lt. John Bunnell.

Spinoff from ABC's "American Detective" spotlights individuals whose credo is helping those in physical trouble, and the quick-in, quick-out segs cover the jobs efficiently enough to satisfy any rubbernecker. The indisputable courage of the three subjects of the pilot is awesome; their exploits are sure-fire attractions for those who like observing danger in progress.

Program looks at trio of brave hearts going about their heroic deeds "while it actually happens," which of course gives the concept its zest.

A flight nurse demonstrates her savvy and bravery as she takes a chopper to assist people in trouble outside Las Vegas; a lieutenant with a Florida SWAT team leads a boarding party onto a plane held by hostages and aboard a shipload of hijackers; a detective with an Oregon sheriff's department sternly settles domestic debacles.

Some of the swift-moving stories suggest they'd be fodder for TV movies, and the three heroic figures are inspiring with their authority and compassion.

Non-scripted show steers assiduously clear of the principals' personal lives; it's the deed that counts in the action outing.

"Shields of Honor," stating its case clearly in cinema verite style like Fox's "Cops," boasts a pro quality.

Whether or not it could sustain this sample's energy level is another matter; on a regular basis, it could be a draw.

Music, David Kurtz.