By Gabriel Princewill-
Cleveland Police is to star in Channel 5’s documentary series, Inside The Force: 24/7 .
A city with a tumultuous past, Cleveland Police finds itself thrust into the national limelight, offering viewers an unprecedented look into the complex world of law enforcement.
In this 12-part series produced by Mentorn Media, the lens turns to Middlesbrough’s police force, a 500-strong team facing the daunting task of tackling incidents across a town grappling with a myriad of challenges.
The series promises an unfiltered exploration of the daily trials faced by Cleveland Police. From intense encounters with knife-wielding assailants to investigating attempted murders and harrowing drive-by shootings, viewers will be taken on a rollercoaster ride through the gritty reality of police work.
The narrative’s power is magnified by the fact that Cleveland Police, once ensnared in a web of misdemeanors, was under special measures for an extended period, providing a rich context to the unfolding drama.
In order to truly appreciate the significance of Inside The Force: 24/7’s focus on Cleveland Police, one must delve into the city’s complicated history.
A once-prominent force that found itself marred by numerous misconduct allegations, Cleveland Police faced the ignominy of being placed under special measures.
The reasons were manifold, ranging from issues of corruption to mishandling of cases, eroding public trust and bringing the force to disrepute.
The series, therefore, becomes more than just a gripping narrative of crime and punishment; it is a chronicle of redemption, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.
An insider from Mentorn Media anonymously told The Eye Of Media.Com: ‘the lens zooms in on Cleveland’s law enforcement, viewers are invited to witness a force in the process of rebuilding trust, learning from its past, and navigating the complexities of contemporary policing.
‘Viewers can expect a front-row seat to the unpredictable and demanding world of policing. The narrative promises an intimate look at the in-the-moment decisions made by officers as they navigate through the labyrinth of incidents, each triggering a chain of events that reverberate through the station and spill onto the streets of Teesside.
From the gut-wrenching scene of a man wielding a knife, leaving three officers seriously injured, to the investigation of an attempted murder involving a teenager, and a drive-by shooting that shatters the tranquility of a terraced house — the series does not shy away from the harsh realities faced by law enforcement.
It transcends the boundaries of traditional crime dramas by providing an authentic and unfiltered portrayal of the emotional toll and challenges inherent in modern policing.
The choice of Teesside as the series’ backdrop adds an extra layer of significance.
Highest Crime Rate In Britain
Currently boasting the highest crime rate in the country, coupled with the highest rate of firearms offences and the second-highest rates for knife crime, the challenges faced by Cleveland Police mirror broader issues afflicting law enforcement nationwide.
Teesside’s struggle with soaring crime rates becomes a microcosm of the challenges faced by urban areas across the UK.
The series not only sheds light on the work of Cleveland Police but also sparks a conversation about the root causes of crime, the impact of social and economic factors, and the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to community safety.
Knife Crime Prevention Campaign
The announcement of the new series aligns with Cleveland Police’s recent launch of a knife crime prevention campaign, responding to a staggering 600 incidents this year alone.
The juxtaposition of real-time initiatives and the upcoming series shines a torch on the immediacy and urgency of the issues depicted.
The police sergeant continued: ‘the series aims to provide transparency into the inner workings of Cleveland Police. The concurrent knife crime prevention campaign underlines the force’s commitment to not only react to incidents but proactively address the root causes of crime.
‘It becomes a potent symbol of law enforcement’s dual role as responders and community guardians.
While the upcoming series promises an intense and unfiltered look into the challenges faced by Cleveland Police, the once-troubled history of Cleveland Police adds a layer of irony to the fact that it is now the star of a nationally acclaimed documentary.
This publication has had Cleveland police under its radar, following one of its suspects arrested for stealing a sausage later committing suicide after his bail sheet wrongly labelled him as having assaulted a 13 year old girl.
Although cleared by the Independent Police Commission (IOPC), we found gaping flaws in the police regulator’s investigation of that particular case, which remains under scrutiny, following unanswered questions.
The media’s role in holding institutions accountable is undeniable, and Inside The Force: 24/7 becomes a microcosm of this dynamic.
The series not only captures the raw and unfiltered moments of policing, but also invites viewers to ponder the complexities of balancing accountability with the need for redemption and reform.
The air date is yet to be announced by Channel 5, but the series is already shaping up to be more than a crime drama. It is a testament to the resilience of a force seeking redemption, the challenges inherent in modern policing, and the ongoing battle for safer communities.
Inside The Force: 24/7, through its exploration of Cleveland Police, emerges as a compelling mirror reflecting the broader issues faced by law enforcement across the nation.
The juxtaposition of past infamy and present scrutiny adds depth to the unfolding drama, underscoring the complexities inherent in the pursuit of justice.
In a landscape where the boundaries between reality and entertainment often blur, Inside The Force: 24/7 stands as a reminder of the real-world struggles faced by those on the frontlines of law enforcement.