Channel 4 favourite sparks police response as show accused of 'bashing UK town'

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Channel 4 favourite sparks police response as show accused of 'bashing UK town'

Channel 4 has received support from Bedfordshire Police after a local council accused the series '24 Hours in Police Custody' of tarnishing the image of a town. The documentary series, which first aired in 2014, primarily follows Bedfordshire Police as they investigate cases in Luton.

To date, there have been 10 seasons and 22 specials, with investigations into crimes such as murders, drug smuggling and sexual assaults being the focus of numerous episodes. However, Luton Borough Council is now urging the police force to cease their collaboration with the broadcaster.

Furthermore, the council also noted that the show provided the force with a "platform to engage younger audiences" and connect with crime victims. They added that plans were underway to work with producers to "see what measures can be put in place to reduce any negative perceptions of the town".

Police corden
A Channel 4 show provoked a police response

Last week, a draft letter was leaked detailing the local government's plea to the chief constable, the police and the crime commissioner to end their involvement in the series. The letter, now seen by BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service, described the programme as a "kick in the teeth", claiming it fuelled "Luton-bashing".

Parts of the letter stated: "Every week when this programme airs to millions of people across the UK, it fuels the 'Luton-bashing' we have become accustomed to, which further damages our reputation. This kind of negativity affects our community's sense of identity and purpose, in limiting their perception of their own lives, relationships and opportunities," reports the Mirror.

The programme has been heavily crticised
The programme has been heavily crIticised

"We feel that it is time for Luton to end this negative relationship with wider audiences and, if the programme is to continue, for another force to feature in it."

However, Bedfordshire Police chief constable Trevor Rodenhurst and the county's police and crime commissioner John Tizard are standing by the Channel 4 series.

They were quoted by Metro.co.uk and the BBC as saying: "It sends a categoric message that criminals will not be able to operate with impunity in Luton, or anywhere in Bedfordshire, and underlines our relentless commitment to bring offenders to justice."

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