24 Hours in Police Custody: Inside Britain’s Most Compelling Police Documentary

Introduction: A Decade of Transparency in Policing

24 Hours in Police Custody is a British television documentary series shown on Channel 4 that primarily follows Bedfordshire Police as they investigate cases in Luton. On air for over 10 years, 24 Hours in Police Custody is both critically acclaimed and more popular than ever with audiences. The series provides viewers with an unfiltered look into real criminal investigations, highlighting the dedication and complexity of modern policing whilst maintaining public trust through transparency.

Recent Episodes and Developments

24 Hours in Police Custody is set to return with a brand new episode which highlights Bedfordshire Police’s investigations into drug networks operating on an encrypted communications platform, with the film due to air on Tuesday 13 January revealing the force’s innovative approach to exposing sophisticated organised crime groups that relied on EncroChat. The episode captures the early stages of Operation Costello, Bedfordshire Police’s largest and most complex initiative targeting serious and organised crime, which since 2020 has achieved 279 arrests, 544 years in sentencing, 49 weapons seized and 10 firearms recovered.

24 Hours in Police Custody Investigates: Zombie Knives will air on January 20 at 9pm in a new format for the Channel 4 programme, exploring how zombie-style weapons were sold and used in fatal attacks before their 2024 ban. This special episode demonstrates the series’ evolution beyond individual cases to address broader societal issues.

Format and Production Excellence

The programme is made by The Garden, the same production company that makes 24 Hours in A&E, with most episodes following an individual case, and the title referring to the fact that police may only hold suspects in custody for 24 hours before either having to release them, bring charges or apply for an extension. The series has won multiple awards, including two Televisual Bulldog Awards for Best Documentary Series and Best Fixed Rig and a True Crime Award for Episodic Excellence.

Significance for Viewers and Society

The show offers an unfiltered look at the police service, highlighting the dedication, compassion and resilience of officers working under intense pressure, whilst placing a spotlight on the challenges and complexities of policing to improve public trust and confidence. By documenting everything from encrypted drug networks to knife crime investigations, the series serves as an essential bridge between law enforcement and the public, demonstrating both the triumphs and challenges facing modern policing in Britain today.