'Luton-bashing' TV show defended by police bosses

Bedfordshire Police said only a third of 24 Hours in Police Custody programmes since 2019 featured Luton cases

The chief constable of Bedfordshire Police and the county's police and crime commissioner (PCC) said they remained committed to a TV show accused of damaging a town's reputation.

A leaked draft letter from Luton Borough Council urged them to end the force’s participation in Channel 4 programme 24 Hours In Police Custody, saying it fuelled "Luton-bashing".

In response, a letter signed by police chief Trevor Rodenhurst and PCC John Tizard insisted the programme made a "positive contribution" to policing.

They said they would work with producers to "see what measures can be put in place to reduce any negative perceptions of the town".

In a joint statement, Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said he was "passionate about showcasing the best of our county"

The documentary series, which is approaching its 10th anniversary, primarily follows Bedfordshire officers as they investigate crimes in the county, but also includes cases in Cambridgeshire and from the Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit.

The council letter said: "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.

"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."

Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said he and the PCC shared a "different viewpoint" on the programme to Luton Borough Council

The response, published by Bedfordshire Police, said it was "committed to promoting a positive public perception" of the area.

"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," the force said.

It gives the force a "platform to engage younger audiences" and reach victims of crime, it added.

The letter said it had listened to the views of the council but "remain of the view that 24 Hours in Police Custody makes a positive contribution to policing, transparency and public understanding of police work and supports our commitment to making Luton and Bedfordshire safer".