24 Hours in Police Custody (2014)
The landmark British documentary series granting unprecedented access to real police investigations, following detectives as they race against the custody clock.
24 Hours in Police Custody - Series Information
- Original Title: 24 Hours in Police Custody
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, Crime, Reality
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Number of Episodes: 60
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 29, 2014 (United Kingdom - 15), September 29, 2014 (Germany - 16), September 29, 2014 (France - 16), September 29, 2014 (Australia - M), September 29, 2014 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: Channel 4
- Production Companies: Channel 4 Television, The Garden Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
24 Hours in Police Custody - Plot
The landmark documentary series that captures real life drama at its most intense, following police detectives around the clock as they investigate major crimes.
24 Hours in Police Custody - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the real-world tension unfold:
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24 Hours in Police Custody - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Royce Pierreson
- Zawe Ashton
24 Hours in Police Custody - FAQs
Where can you stream 24 Hours in Police Custody?
24 Hours in Police Custody is available to stream on BritBox and BritBox via Apple TV Channel or Amazon Channel. Free viewing options include Pluto TV and Tubi TV with ads, as well as The CW, Plex, and Plex Channel at no cost.
Is 24 Hours in Police Custody based on real events?
Every case featured is entirely real. Cameras follow actual detectives from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire police forces as they work live investigations, capturing genuine interviews, evidence reviews, and custody decisions with no scripting or reconstruction involved.
How many seasons does the series have?
The series has run for 10 seasons, spanning 60 episodes in total. Individual series range from 2 to 9 episodes, with an additional collection of specials. It premiered on Channel 4 in September 2014 and remains in active production.
What makes 24 Hours in Police Custody different from other crime documentaries?
Unlike many crime documentaries that reconstruct past events, this series embeds cameras inside active police investigations in real time. Viewers witness the pressure of the 24-hour custody clock ticking down as detectives race to gather evidence, interview suspects, and decide whether to charge or release.
When did 24 Hours in Police Custody first air?
The series made its debut on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom on September 29, 2014. It quickly earned a reputation as one of British television's most compelling and authentic crime documentaries, leading to multiple commissioned series over the following years.
Who narrates 24 Hours in Police Custody?
The series features narration by actors Royce Pierreson and Zawe Ashton, both of whom lend their voices to guide viewers through the unfolding investigations. Their measured, authoritative delivery adds a cinematic quality to the documentary's real-life drama.
Which police forces are featured in the series?
The series primarily follows detectives from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire police forces in England. These forces granted the production team unprecedented access to their custody suites, interview rooms, and investigative operations, making the series a rare behind-the-scenes look at British policing.
What are some shows similar to 24 Hours in Police Custody?
Fans of the series often enjoy Unforgotten and Code of a Killer for their grounded British crime storytelling. For documentary-style true crime, Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story offers similarly unflinching real-world content. Vigil and Criminal Record are strong picks for those who enjoy UK police procedural drama.
More About 24 Hours in Police Custody
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