Campaigners slam Luton cop shop show

Friends and family of Leon Briggs, who died in November, say they are appalled that the show was commissioned when Beds Police is currently being investigated by the IPCC over Leon’s death.

The 20-part series has been commissioned by Channel 4 and will delve into life inside the Buxton Road station.

Liberty Louise from the Justice 4 Leon Briggs Committee said: “We find this [show] immoral, inappropriate and totally insensitive to Leon and his family at a time when they are in mourning. We find this a calculating PR stunt to limit the damage to the reputation of officers and the station involved with Leon Briggs death in custody.”

Five police officers and two support staff have been suspended as the IPCC investigates Leon’s death which may include manslaughter and gross negligence charges.

Executive Producer Simon Ford said the film-makers chose Luton because of the “tight-knit working relationships and camaraderie” between officers and because the small town station faces big city problems including repeat offenders, stabbings, murder and terrorism issues.

A Beds Police spokesperson said: “Beds Police is very excited about making this brand new observational documentary series for Channel 4. It will allow the public real insight into how and why we police Beds and the time effort and care that goes into looking after victims as well as seeing offenders brought to justice.”

Filming begins at the end of February.

@LutonNewsConnie