The Police Service of Northern Ireland has welcomed the upcoming broadcast of 'Peelers: The PSNI for Real', a new documentary series that follows officers and staff as they carry out their frontline duties. The programme aims to provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced by personnel on patrol, highlighting the rapid decision-making and professionalism required to manage crime, support victims, and maintain public safety.

Filmed primarily in the Belfast area over the last two years, the production team accompanied more than 30 officers and staff members. The series captures a wide array of incidents, from responding to emergency calls to engaging in community policing activities.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, commenting on the importance of the series, said: "This was a unique and really important opportunity for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to share our story – something I've been clear we haven't been good enough at. It's my hope that this will provide viewers with much greater understanding and hopefully appreciation of the daily work of our police officers and police staff.

"I am incredibly proud of the dedication and courage shown by our officers and staff throughout this eye opening series. Never forget that our police officers and staff are all members of their of local communities, they are ordinary people who chose to join the PSNI to make a positive difference to society, and as you will see they are doing extraordinary work every day to keep people safe. "This is a true reflection of what our officers have to deal with, showcasing the professionalism, resilience and humanity that they bring to some of the most challenging situations in society. We didn't want this series to shy away from the reality and most difficult aspects of policing. Policing is complex and often misunderstood work. This series shows the public exactly what our officers and staff face. I'm sure many people will be genuinely shocked by what they see but I also believe that they will be reassured by the professionalism, resilience and humanity our officers and staff demonstrate, leaving them grateful that we have these ordinary people doing such extraordinary work on all our behalf. These officers and staff are willing to put themselves in harm's way to keep us all safe. I've no doubt the series will also encourage and inspire people to join the police service and help keep their communities safe.

"I am a huge fan of the BBC drama 'Blue Lights' which brilliantly portrays the issues facing policing in Northern Ireland, but 'Peelers' is the real life 'Blue Lights'.

"This is our 25th anniversary year and it's extremely important for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to be involved in making this series. We have achieved an enormous amount within the last 25 years but we realise that we have more to do and to achieve that we need all of society in Northern Ireland to get behind policing. We hope this programme strengthens public understanding and reinforces the vital relationship between the police and all the communities we are here to serve.

"I very much promote the need for openness and transparency in policing and this programme demonstrates that determination. Viewers will see the stark realities of policing and the split-second decisions officers must make—often in unpredictable and high-risk circumstances. This series does not shy away from the difficult aspects of policing, and neither do the officers who have been involved. I want to pay tribute to every police officer on the front line and especially those who volunteered to be filmed in this ground breaking series.

"We hope this series helps people understand the complexity and unrelenting demands facing policing in Northern Ireland as well as the remarkable courage and commitment that's shown by our officers and staff 24/7."

'Peelers: The PSNI for Real' premieres on BBC1 today, Monday 27 April, at 10:40pm and will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.