Inside the Force: 24/7, 25 March, Channel 5, “Series 3, Episode 3”

Channel 5’s “Inside the Force: 24/7” returns with a brand new episode on Monday, 25 March 2024 at 9.00pm. This gripping documentary series delves into the realities of police work in Cleveland, a city plagued by high rates of violent crime.

In this particular episode, viewers are taken inside Force Control as Despatcher Leanne receives a distressing call about an alleged robbery involving a knife and gun at a local shop. The suspect is quickly tracked down to a nearby estate, prompting Sergeants Steven Bolsover and Chris Phelan to provide backup for the armed response unit closing in on the perpetrator. As tensions rise and the neighbourhood watches on, a male is apprehended and taken into custody at Middlesbrough nick.

However, with such significant police presence in the area, lively crowds start gathering and pose another challenge for law enforcement. Amidst this chaos, an off-duty police officer reports another incident—an individual walking the streets openly brandishing knives in broad daylight. Officers swiftly respond by drawing their tasers and successfully restraining the man who is found to be carrying three knives, a balaclava, and what appears to be a homemade detonating device.

As night shifts into early morning hours, PCs Katie Welfrod and Tash Nicholls are dispatched to handle a fight arising from an alleged £40 debt dispute. Paramedics are informed that one of the individuals involved has sustained serious facial injuries from what is believed to be either a meat cleaver or mini machete attack. The suspect is subsequently taken into custody under Sergeant Phil’s watchful eye—a veteran all too familiar with the ruthless nature of these situations where weapons become increasingly prevalent.

In Force Control, an urgent 999 call comes in from a woman whose windows have been shot at with a shotgun while she was sleeping in bed. The suspects make their escape on a quad bike, wearing balaclavas for anonymity. PC Adam Woodland secures the scene before the incident is handed over to the Major Crime Team for further investigation into this alarming act of violence. As Sergeant Phil points out, certain weapons are often shared among criminal groups, and there have even been instances where weapons are rented out as part of illicit business activities.

Experience the intensity and challenges faced by police officers in Cleveland as you watch “Inside the Force: 24/7” on Monday, 25 March 2024 at 9.00pm on Channel 5.