To Catch A Copper is on Channel 4 tonight at 9pm.

In recent years, a trust crisis has emerged within the realm of policing. Amidst this pivotal moment, Avon and Somerset Police have granted unprecedented access to their Professional Standards department, the entity responsible for overseeing the conduct of police officers. Over a span of four years, various perspectives, including those of investigators, accused officers, victims, legal professionals, and community leaders, have been meticulously examined to construct a comprehensive understanding of the system aimed at holding officers accountable. This particular episode delves into cases involving allegations of institutional racism and unconscious bias among police officers.

The narrative unfolds with an incident where two officers respond to a dispute between a bus driver and a young Black woman. Rapidly escalating, the confrontation leads to the woman being on the ground, and officers employing pepper spray in close proximity to her infant. The incident is widely circulated on social media, prompting the community to demand explanations.

Another case unfolds as two officers employ pepper spray and physical force during the stop-and-search of a young Black man. Despite finding nothing illegal, the man files a complaint against the police. In a third scenario, a mother seeks answers regarding the adequacy of care provided to her son after he was taken into custody while suffering a significant brain bleed. These cases underscore a stark contrast between the internal perspective of the police regarding allegations of misconduct and the external viewpoints held by those outside the law enforcement system.