YOUR POLICE ADVISOR

Whatever stage you’re at, I can bring my policing experience to bear to make your Film or TV production's police-related scenes truly authentic. The earlier I’m on board, the better - before plans, sets and scripts are locked down.

I understand the difference between reality and drama - I know that what is 100% authentic might not necessarily translate to an exciting story, and I can help you to walk this tightrope to find the right mix of authenticity, without derailing the drama.

Script Advice / Review

Getting the script right is vital to avoid problems further down the line. Where there is police involvement in a scene, I can be involved in the early stages of story research and production planning, including assistance with research of historical detail, and checking understanding before an idea develops so far that it’s difficult to change. I can quickly help the scriptwriter to move the story forward while maintaining authenticity and reality - even suggesting alternative angles for the story which may help to solve a block.

Costume

I’ve worked with many crowd costume ADs to ensure that police uniforms look and feel right for a particular police role. This saves so much time later as on the day actors and supporting artistes (extras) will have correct uniform and insignia for whatever scene is being filmed.

On Set

Being on set as your Police Advisor during filming I can help the director / 1AD and crew to get the best out of the scene with the minimum of fuss. I can advise on little details, suggest simple improvements and collaborate on last minute script edits. I can help to coordinate complicated scenes, working as necessary with stunt coordinators and other advisors (such as military experts), to take some of the pressure off the directing team.

Extras / Actors

Working alongside the Crowd AD, I can also advise on where actors/supporting artistes/extras playing police officers should be located, and what they might be realistically doing during the scene, including working with the armourer if firearms are on set. I can carry out live checks of costume and equipment, fixing problems before they arise, providing another pair of eyes for continuity.

On Set Experience

I've worked as a Police Advisor on multiple sets, and also worked extensively as a Supporting Artiste (extra), often playing a police officer, on various productions - so I understand how a Film/TV set works, who are the key crew and their roles, and what is needed from me during production.

Expertise and advice on topics including:

Police uniform and equipment (including vehicles, firearms, TASER*)
Law, policy and police procedure in England and Wales
Police language, culture and ethos
Police firearms operations (including ARVs, CTSFOs)
Police response to major incidents
Public order/riots, traffic, dog handling, even mounted police (horses!)
Crime scene management - CSI / SOCO / Scenes of Crime
Undercover work - including surveillance deployments, manhunts
Custody procedures including forensic samples
Criminal Investigations, interviewing, CCTV and phone tracking

*TASER is a trademark of Axon Enterprise, Inc.

Common questions I get asked as a police advisor:

I need a police consultancy for film shoots in the London area, can you help? Yes!
Where to get expert police advice for productions in the UK? From me!
How do Police Advisors help TV productions in London? I'm ex Met, ask away.
Where to get police procedure advice for films in the UK? From me!
Why is police accuracy important in UK film and TV? Take a look at my blog
Where to find police uniform & equipment advice for UK TV/film? Me again!
How can I find out about police culture in London for my film? I'm ex Met.
Who provides police procedure consulting for UK dramas? Me - BBC, Sky, ITV...
Best police advisory service for accurate UK police portrayal in the UK? I can help!
Can I hire a former police officer for TV show consultancy in the UK? Yes, me!
What kind of police expertise is needed for UK dramas? Ex Cop, wide experience

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