To Catch a Copper: Episode 2 (Channel 4 Monday 5 February 2024)

In an era marked by a growing crisis of trust in policing, Channel 4’s documentary series “To Catch a Copper” provides unprecedented access to Avon and Somerset Police’s Professional Standards department. This specialized unit is responsible for holding the police accountable, and the series aims to present a comprehensive view of the system designed to ensure officers face justice when necessary. Over a period of four years, the show follows various cases from multiple perspectives, including investigators, accused officers, victims, legal professionals, and community leaders.

Episode 2 of “To Catch a Copper,” airing on Monday 5 February 2024 at 9.00pm, delves into incidents involving allegations of institutional racism and unconscious bias within the police force. The episode highlights three specific cases that shed light on these pressing issues.

The first case involves an argument between a bus driver and a young Black woman. Two police officers respond to the situation, but it quickly escalates with the woman ending up on the ground. Shockingly, pepper spray is used in close proximity to her baby. The incident is captured on video and subsequently shared widely on social media, prompting public outcry and demands for answers from the community.

Another case featured in this episode centers around two officers stopping and searching a young Black man. During this encounter, pepper spray is again deployed along with physical force. However, no illegal items are found during the search. Subsequently, the young man files a complaint against the police.

The third case explores a mother’s quest for information regarding her son’s treatment while in custody after experiencing a major brain bleed. She seeks assurance that her son was adequately cared for by the police during this critical time.

Through these three cases of alleged misconduct by police officers involving racial bias or inadequate care towards detainees’ health conditions—among other factors—the episode uncovers stark discrepancies between how law enforcement views such allegations compared to external perspectives.

“Episode 2” of “To Catch a Copper” provides viewers with a deep dive into the complexities surrounding policing practices, shedding light on issues of institutional racism and unconscious bias within the force. The program airs on Channel 4 on Monday 5 February 2024 at 9.00pm.

Featured image credit: Channel 4