Former Bedfordshire prisoner credits show for mental health support

Adam White, a former prisoner, has publicly defended the television series 24 Hours In Police Custody, which aired episodes featuring his story on 28 November 2022. Released from prison on 12 September 2022, he credits the show with providing him a platform that led to global support, including an online fundraiser that raised £170,000. This financial assistance helped him clear debts and improve his family's situation after a challenging period of incarceration. White, now 36, expressed that the messages he received from viewers were uplifting and played a crucial role in his mental health recovery. He emphasized that the show accurately depicts the realities of crime in Bedfordshire and the UK, countering criticisms from Luton Borough Council, which urged Bedfordshire Police to cease collaboration with the program due to concerns about negative portrayals of the area. Despite his past mistakes, White maintains that the police performed admirably under challenging conditions, highlighting the underfunding and understaffing issues faced by Bedfordshire Police. He has since found employment as an electrical engineer working on high-speed trains, thanks to connections made during his time in prison. Overall, White's experience illustrates the potential for media representation to foster community support and personal rehabilitation, demonstrating how a platform can lead to positive change in an individual's life after incarceration.