News / avon and somerset police
New Channel 4 doc to give unprecedented insight into Avon and Somerset police
TW: Discussions of sexaul assault
A new TV documentary due to air this month follows Avon and Somerset police professional standards department as they work to bring corrupt officers to justice.
To Catch A Cooper follows the ‘police of the police’ department over the years as they investigate complaints against officers, revealing a rarely-seen side to the force.
is needed now More than ever
The show follows cases right from the beginning when alleged incidents are reported, or complaints are made, through to the disciplinary hearings or criminal cases.
The first episode, due to air on Channel 4 on Monday 29 January, focuses on officers accused of seriously mistreating or sexually exploiting people in their hour of need.
In three cases, the initial judgement of investigators is that there is clear evidence of police misconduct, but getting criminal charges, convictions and civil sanctions is often not straightforward.
Two further episodes cover details of alleged police brutality, mental health and institutional racism.
A documentary crew approached Avon and Somerset Police force in 2019, and began filming before and then after the pandemic in 2021.
In a statement ahead of the first episode, current federation vice chair Iain Prideaux said: “I was contacted by the force in November 2023 when I raised concerns about the support the officers, staff and others featuring in the programmes would need, and the wider impact on the force and the public we serve.
“I was informed that support was in place and The Federation has also provided support. I have asked to view the episodes, but we are unable to do so before they are broadcast, so I cannot comment on the content of the documentary at this time.
“I understand that members may be concerned, but I want to reassure them that we know the media often concentrates on the worst days police officers go through, but we will continue to press the message that the vast majority of officers are honest, hard-working and committed to serving their communities.”
To Catch A Copper starts on January 29 on Channel 4
Main photo: Channel 4
Read next:
- Police announce plan to overhaul stop and search
- Chief constable: Avon and Somerset Police is ‘institutional racist’
- Only eight per cent of rapes reported to Avon and Somerset police lead to charges
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