Bedfordshire Police urged to withdraw from Luton program
- Luton Borough Council has urged Bedfordshire Police to stop participating in the Channel 4 show due to its negative impact on the town's reputation.
- The council's draft letter, supported by local organizations, describes the program as a source of 'Luton-bashing' that harms community identity.
- The police are considering community feedback before deciding on future involvement in the series, which has been airing for nearly ten years.
Bedfordshire Police are facing pressure from Luton Borough Council to withdraw from the Channel 4 documentary series '24 Hours In Police Custody'. The council argues that the show is detrimental to Luton's reputation, describing it as a source of 'Luton-bashing' that negatively impacts the community's identity and opportunities. A leaked draft letter from the council expresses concerns shared by various local organizations, highlighting the need for a more positive portrayal of the town. While the police acknowledge the program's potential benefits, including raising awareness about critical issues like male violence against women, they are also considering the feedback from community partners. The Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner are currently evaluating whether to continue their involvement in the series, which has been running for nearly a decade and primarily showcases police work in Luton. The council's proposed letter emphasizes the importance of moving away from negative narratives and suggests that if the program continues, it should feature a different police force to avoid further harm to Luton's image.