24 Hours in Police Custody

Arguably "true crime" has never seen a better documentary. The awarding of ten stars is without ambiguity, without doubt, without considering "the nine". 24 Hours in Police Custod has, to date, had 19 different directors - rather suggesting that it is the format, more than anything else, that lies behind the greatness.

All "top-end-documentary-requirements" are in place; the showing of all sides to the story, the balanced rhetoric, the flow, the sense of being there, the unfolding of the story, the suspense and the conclusion.

This is high end drama without the "changes for dramatical purposes". This is, also, one of the rare documentaries that truly motivates the claim; "reality is greater than fiction".

Greatness comes in many shapes and forms. Within its genre - 24 Hours in Police Custody is arguably the " hottest ticket in town" - If there was one series to choose this could be the one.

Gripping, unpredictable, shocking. A fantastic insight into the Police in Beds/Cambs. Unmissable TV.

In its later series, '24 Hours in Police Custody' doesn't exactly do what is says on the tin, showing us instead police investigations as they unfold over months or even years. It's true crime, at its most honest and also most horrific; I like to believe in the basic good of human nature, but these episodes tell some pretty grim stories, and also show quite how hard it can be to secure a conviction. There have been sadly far too many terrible miscarriages of justice: here the police are the heroes, patiently assembling the evidence, treating the accused (on-camera at least) with respect, and not always succeeding in spite of their efforts. Even when they win, the words "happy ending" would be misplaced. I'm a little scared at the thought that if I was ever a suspect, I might end up being shown on television; but the series is a compelling insight into life at the very bottom of society.

Pure drama that challenges the perception of modern day police work and the modern day accused

Compared to all the other related shows, this one stands apart from the pact. The massive hurdles but the dedication is just astounding. This is a rare reality show that makes all others look like bad tv. They really are just amazing peeps