Nottinghamshire Police Federation criticises Coppers TV show
A decision to allow TV cameras to film Nottinghamshire police on patrol has been criticised by a police body.
Episode two of Channel 4's Coppers followed police officers during the riots in Nottingham last summer.
Nottinghamshire Police Federation said the programme was "blinkered" and failed to show "the full picture".
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said the show offered "a unique insight" and Channel 4 producers said it portrayed officers in a positive light.
Two incidents from the programme, where a 14-year-old girl was pulled to the ground and a man was pushed to the floor, have been referred to the force's professional standards section.
Mick Taylor, from Nottinghamshire Police Federation, said: "I don't think [the programme] is a great idea. I think it's like trying to take in a landscape when the view you've got is through a keyhole.
"You're only seeing a little bit - it's like wearing blinkers. You don't see what's going off to either side - or the big picture - and I don't think that's a good thing.
"There is an old saying that the camera never lies, but sometimes it does ... if it doesn't show you the full picture."
He said programme makers were "trying to make entertainment out of a serious subject".
Nottinghamshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable, Chris Eyre, said: "The series provides a unique insight but one which I hope will give you a greater understanding of the challenges we face and a greater appreciation of our work."
He said that some people would have found the programmes "uncomfortable viewing" but the overall public reaction to the first two episodes had been positive.
Channel 4 executive producer Simon Ford said they would cooperate with the police if necessary, but added the actions of the officers should be taken in context.
"(Officers) sometimes lose their tempers … but they (also) show an enormous amount of forbearance.
"This programme shows these officers - and shows them doing their job well."