Police Comedy Series ‘Highly Offensive’ To Police Federation
It is not exactly a secret that there are many derogatory terms used to refer to police officers. Those who have a low opinion of the police might use such terms in private, but probably not too many would be brash enough to use them directly to an officer. So it was a bit bold for ITV to refer to their new comedy focusing on police recruits as Piglets, and the Police Federation of England and Wales have made it very clear that they do not appreciate it.
Piglets Rubs Police The Wrong Way Ahead Of Its Premiere
Piglets is a show that will focus on six aspiring cops who are part of an initiative to bring on 20,000 new police officers to the force. However, such a high demand for more people leads to some who might not be totally fit for the job slipping through the cracks. The show will focus on the humor of a handful of unfit recruits doing their best to prove they have what it takes to join the force.
However, it seems real life police officers are not amused by their profession being ridiculed by Piglets. They reportedly find the show name to be insulting and disgusting. Tiffany Lynch, the acting national chair for the Police Federation of England and Wales, made her feelings clear, saying, “I find it incredulous that this has passed through checks and balances at an organization made up of people who at any time have or may need the support and assistance of the police.”
May Not Even Be An Anti-Police Series
Lynch also brought up how with anti-police sentiments already prevalent, she finds it dangerous for a show like Piglets to further stoke those flames against officers. She felt jokes like this could potentially put officers at risk of greater threat in their duties.
Lynch did not mince words when she stated, “We should not be put at further risk for viewing numbers, our officers deserve respect, not humiliation for the job they are undertaking. It is incredibly dangerous to incite more negativity and misinformation against a public sector service that’s already under so much pressure.”
It should be noted that Piglets has not even debuted yet, with its first episode not scheduled to air until July 20. So at this juncture, it is too early to say exactly how the show will handle its subject matter and whether it will have an anti-police tone. Evidently, the name alone is enough to make real-life officers expect the worst, though.
Meant To Be Endearing
ITV was quick to defend its upcoming program from the criticism, stating that there is no ill intention behind the name or premise of Piglets. “Piglets is a fictional new comedy about a police training academy and the title is not intended to cause any offense, it’s a comedic and endearing play on words to emphasize the innocence and youth of our young trainees.”
Realistically, that clarification of intentions is not likely to assuage the grievances that the Police Federation has. However, likely what matters most to ITV is whether or not general audiences decide to check out Piglets. The team behind the show has previously won awards for their work and have produced prior popular comedies such as Green Wing, and Smack the Pony.
Let’s See What The Show Has To Say
Regardless of what the Police Federation feels, if Piglets proves to be a hit then it is hard to imagine ITV would hesitate to give the show a second season. Though one thing the police in the UK can be grateful for is that British shows are often infamously short on episodes and have long waits between seasons. Even the wildly popular Sherlock only had 13 total episodes.
All Publicity Is Good Publicity
Piglets might not win any friends with the police, but if anything the added controversy might just add a few extra eyes to the show’s premier to check out what all the fuss is about. It would certainly be an ironic twist if the Police Federation inadvertently gave the show a ratings boost due to some unintentional free publicity.
Source: The Guardian
