Police force announce anti-corruption documentary
"To Catch a Copper" is being called the real life 'line of Duty'
Fans of Line of Duty will soon have a chance to follow a police anti-corruption unit for real, as Avon and Somerset Police announce To Catch A Copper will come to Channel 4 next week.
The three-part show, airing on Monday nights from January 29, will follow the force's Professional Standards Department including its very own AC-12, the Counter-Corruption Unit (CCU).
AS Police say they hope it will "shine a light" on their work to protect the high standards expected of officers.
Work on the series first began in 2019 when documentary-maker Story Films were invited into the force.
“When we first invited Story Films to follow the dedicated officers and staff who work in our Professional Standards Department, we could never have foreseen the intense publicity and scrutiny this area of policing would experience over the following years," Chief Constable (CC) Sarah Crew said.
“It’s abundantly clear the public’s confidence in policing has been critically dented by the horrific actions of officers like Wayne Couzens and David Carrick, and urgent recovery work must be undertaken to restore this precious bond we have with our communities."
CC Crew says the force knew taking part in the documentary would be "controversial", but that "people will see that we’re facing into the issues, however uncomfortable, which I hope will help to improve trust" in their ability.
“I want people to see that we understand their concerns, and we’re taking robust action to tackle all forms of misconduct, rooting out those who have no place in this profession and making sure they can never serve again," she said.
Apparently expecting some backlash, some of the cases set to feature, she says, are "upsetting" and "appalling" and she wishes they never happened.
“These cases are the exception and not the rule.
"They do not reflect on the professionalism and caring approach of the vast majority of officers and staff who are passionate about their role in keeping people safe, as well as fighting for fairness and justice."
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Shelford, who is elected by the public to hold the police to account, says he fully supports CC Crew's decision to take part in the show
"The challenges around trust and confidence in the police nationally have been well documented and Avon and Somerset Police is showing that, to bring about long-term culture change, transparency and openness are vital," he said.
"While the documentary may be hard, uncomfortable and upsetting viewing focusing on cases relating to mental health, race and sexual misconduct, I see it as fundamental to bringing about whole system, sustainable, change in policing culture and leadership."
Each episode of the documentary will focus on a specific theme: sexual misconduct, race and mental health.
You can read more from AS Police about why they have taken part via this link.