Upcoming Channel 4 Documentary: Avon and Somerset Police Federation Statement

18 January 2024

Members may be aware that a new TV documentary, ‘To Catch A Copper’, following Avon and Somerset Police’s Professional Standards department, will be aired this month.

The first episode will air on Channel 4 on Monday 29 January at 9pm. The three episodes in the series will cover the themes of mental health and policing, race and policing, and sexual misconduct.

The force initially approached the Federation branch in 2019 and told them that filming would go ahead. The Federation branch agreed to participate in the documentary, so that they could explain their role and support members as best they could. The documentary-makers began filming in the force in 2019 and continued after the pandemic, in 2021.

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.”