UKTV’s W channel has been granted inside access to West Yorkshire Police for a new observational documentary “that follows the exceptional work of women at every level of the force.”
While the proportion of female police officers in England and Wales has increased from 7% in 1977 to 29% in 2017, men still dominate senior positions by over 80%.
The Shift: Women on the Force will explore the demands facing officers in Britain today, the dangers they face on a daily basis and the impact this has on their private lives.”
From the Chief Constable to officers on the frontline, each episode is based around the unfolding stories of three women on the Force across a single, gripping shift. The Shift: Women on the Force offers a rare glimpse into the extraordinary demands this job can place on their lives – on duty and at home.
Dee Collins, Chief Constable WYP said: “From a service that has in the past been portrayed as male-dominated and masculine, we’ve seen a sea change and today some the UK’s most high-profile senior police officers are women.
“But clearly we need to be enabling more women to fulfil their careers in policing. Inclusion is really important to West Yorkshire Police and a vital ingredient for the future policing of our communities and I am really keen to build a more diverse workforce.”
Co-produced by Lambent Productions, Flint Television and Harbar 8, The Shift: Women on the Force has been commissioned by senior commissioning editor Helen Nightingale, who will executive produce for UKTV, and ordered for W by Richard Watsham, director of commissioning and Steve North, UKTV’s genre general manager.
Helen Nightingale said: “There have been some incredible documentary series on television about the vital work done by police forces across the country.
“However, there’s never been a series that specifically examines the challenges of being an officer in Britain today, from the point of view of the women on the force.
“This series is a new and fascinating look at modern policing and we are delighted to be working with West Yorkshire Police on this project.”
Adam Collings, W channel director added: “The access secured to the West Yorkshire Police force is incredible and by focussing on women we are able to add a different dimension to traditional storytelling.”
