Three officers featured in the BBC documentary series Peelers: The PSNI for Real have discussed their experiences in the latest episode of the PSNI: Beyond the Badge podcast.

Sergeants Tom and David, also known as Dave, and Constable Anna told presenter Lata Sharma they had been surprised by the largely positive response from the public and their colleagues. The second series of Peelers was due to begin on BBC One NI on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

Tom said he had been keen to take part because he wanted viewers to see the reality of police work. He said: "I was very excited by it all, but I had no idea what it might become. I was surprised by how positive it all went down; the popularity and traction it has gained. All I wanted was to show people behind the scenes of the police service and humanise the job."

Dave and Anna were initially more hesitant, but became accustomed to a camera crew following them during their working day.

Anna said: "I wasn't sure [at the start], but now it has been done, I think it is the best thing. It has given people an insight into what we are doing, We are just normal people behind the uniform."

Dave recalled his reaction when he heard that volunteers were being sought for the programme: "I just thought, who would sign up for that? Who would do that? "But then I thought about it and once I got into it, it was all very good and all very positive. Initially I thought no - but it has all been good."

The officers also discussed the challenges of everyday policing, the support they receive from friendships with colleagues and their relationship with BBC presenter Stephen Nolan. Dave, the longest-serving officer on the episode, reflected on what has and has not changed during his career.

Anna previously worked in healthcare and said her police role allows her to help people. Tom, who joined the PSNI shortly after leaving school, explained what motivates him to remain in the service.

He said: "The opportunity to protect and support vulnerable people in society – going to those domestics or going to children in need.

"Which is a pretty strong driving factor to stay in the police service each day."

The podcast is available at psni-beyondthebadge.podbean.com/. The second series of Peelers was scheduled for 10.40pm on BBC One NI on 11 November and was also due to be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am that day.

Information about applying to become a student police officer is available at www.joinpsni.co.uk/police-officer.