The Force: Behind The Line

Watch The Force: Behind The Line

  • 2006
  • 7 Seasons
  • 6.8  (28)

The Force: Behind The Line is a documentary series about policing in Australia, produced by Endemol and hosted by journalist Simon Reeve. The series aired in 2006 and consisted of 10 episodes, each exploring a different aspect of police work in different regions of Australia. In each episode, Reeve accompanies police officers on patrol and witnesses firsthand the challenges they face on a daily basis. The show covers a wide range of topics, from drug busts and car chases to community policing and immigration issues. The series provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the work of Australia's police force, showing viewers how officers go about their jobs and the impact their work has on the community. One of the standout features of The Force: Behind The Line is the access it provides to different police departments across Australia. The series visits police stations in Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, and other cities, giving viewers a glimpse of the differences and similarities between police forces in different regions. Reeve interviews officers from various departments and backgrounds, providing insight into the diverse range of people who choose to work in law enforcement. The series also highlights the unique challenges that Australian police face, such as dealing with bushfires, floods, and wildlife on top of traditional law enforcement duties. The show also delves into specific issues such as traffic accidents and drug use, examining the work of specialist departments like the Forensic Crash Unit and the Drug and Organised Crime Taskforce. One of the strengths of The Force: Behind The Line is its focus on the human aspect of policing. The series features interviews with officers, victims, and suspects, giving viewers a sense of the emotional impact of crime and law enforcement. Reeve asks tough questions and doesn't shy away from difficult topics, but he also shows empathy and understanding towards those he interviews. The series also examines the relationships between police officers and the communities they serve. The show highlights how police officers work to build trust and connections with the public, and how they navigate tensions and conflict when they arise. This aspect of the show is particularly relevant in light of ongoing discussions around police reform and community policing. Overall, The Force: Behind The Line is a fascinating and informative look at policing in Australia. The series provides a unique perspective on the work of law enforcement officers, covering a wide range of topics and issues in a thoughtful and engaging way. Simon Reeve's hosting is a major asset to the series, bringing humanity and curiosity to the subject matter. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in law enforcement, criminal justice, or Australian culture.

The Force: Behind The Line
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Seasons
Episode 20
20. Episode 20
August 7, 2011
At just nineteen Martin Riley is already a wanted man. He's been committing serious burglaries, getting away with goods worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Episode 19
19. Episode 19
July 31, 2011
Police investigate a case of missing victims when occupants of a badly damaged vehicle are witnessed fleeing the scene of a car crash.
Episode 18
18. Episode 18
July 24, 2011
A man is reported missing on a lonely Perth beach in the most unusual circumstances. Police launch a full scale land and sea search under the cover of darkness in one of the most baffling cases.
Episode 17
17. Episode 17
July 17, 2011
Highway Officers immediately respond to reports of gunfire in a quiet suburban neighborhood. They are joined by detectives who work fast to track down the gunman. Gosford's Proactive team are on a mission to round up a list of wanted men.
Episode 16
16. Episode 16
July 10, 2011
In Cyberspace there are no borders and it seems no boundaries either. One of the most chilling crimes The Force has ever encountered -an online sexual predator is targeting young girls.
Episode 15
15. Episode 15
July 3, 2011
NSW State Crime Command raid two hydroponic houses of mind blowing proportions before closing in on the ringleader behind this massive operation -you won't believe how the crooks were getting away with it.
Episode 14
14. Episode 14
June 26, 2011
Police are on the hunt for a violent armed robber who brazenly held up a massage parlour in Perth. The man assaulted a woman before fleeing into the night, Has his choice of wardrobe brought him undone? See what else Police find hiding in his home.
Episode 13
13. Episode 13
June 19, 2011
Drug raids are common practice for the Western Australian Police and their daily fight against crime but what happens when the prime suspect is a 72-year-old grandmother?
Episode 12
12. Episode 12
June 12, 2011
Officers patrolling Perth city notice a car parked up on a bike path with the engine running. Two men are sitting in the vehicle, the man in driver's seat has a suspended license, he's been drinking with his mate and the car is unregistered.
Episode 11
11. Episode 11
June 5, 2011
A state-wide manhunt for a wanted fugitive. Notorious criminal Brett Klimczak has escaped from prison and is on the run. Late night shopping in an upmarket Perth district attracts shoplifters.
Episode 10
10. Episode 10
May 29, 2011
When police get reports of a gunman roaming suburban streets they are quick to respond. Public safety is the most important thing in situations like this and every precaution needs to be taken.
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
May 15, 2011
A brazen robber armed with tradesman tools has held up nine shops in Perth. And he's becoming more and more confident. Police are worried it's only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
May 8, 2011
Officers are patrolling a rural area with the benefit of an un-marked car. A 19 year old father is found doing 60 kilometres over the speed limit with his eight week old baby in the back.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
May 1, 2011
Detectives are targeting a man with a long history of drug dealing. The officers know that two children live at the house so they'll try and wait until the kids aren't there before moving in.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
April 24, 2011
The MEOC squad find half a dozen youths playing with fire crackers on a Friday night. Even though the kids claim they found the fireworks and didn't know what they were, they cop a large fine.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
April 17, 2011
The NT Water Police need to be prepared when they patrol Kakadu National Park. The tyranny of distance makes it very difficult to detect crime in the area. But it's not just lawbreakers they're after.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
April 10, 2011
The NSW Rural Crime Investigators pack their swags and hit the open road for a few days -this is all part of the job. A Friday night patrol becomes eventful when officers try to disperse over 200 youths at an out of control party.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
April 3, 2011
In Perth, surfers have just witnessed a thief stealing valuables from a vehicle in the beach car park. Police gain a warrant to do a pre-dawn raid on the suspect's home.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
March 27, 2011
In Albury, Strikeforce Roll has been set up to shut down a drug distribution network by executing 6 search warrants simultaneously in a highly coordinated series of arrests. Officers rush to a nearby caravan park after reports of three serious assaults.
Description

The Force: Behind The Line is a documentary series about policing in Australia, produced by Endemol and hosted by journalist Simon Reeve. The series aired in 2006 and consisted of 10 episodes, each exploring a different aspect of police work in different regions of Australia.

In each episode, Reeve accompanies police officers on patrol and witnesses firsthand the challenges they face on a daily basis. The show covers a wide range of topics, from drug busts and car chases to community policing and immigration issues. The series provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the work of Australia's police force, showing viewers how officers go about their jobs and the impact their work has on the community.

One of the standout features of The Force: Behind The Line is the access it provides to different police departments across Australia. The series visits police stations in Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, and other cities, giving viewers a glimpse of the differences and similarities between police forces in different regions. Reeve interviews officers from various departments and backgrounds, providing insight into the diverse range of people who choose to work in law enforcement.

The series also highlights the unique challenges that Australian police face, such as dealing with bushfires, floods, and wildlife on top of traditional law enforcement duties. The show also delves into specific issues such as traffic accidents and drug use, examining the work of specialist departments like the Forensic Crash Unit and the Drug and Organised Crime Taskforce.

One of the strengths of The Force: Behind The Line is its focus on the human aspect of policing. The series features interviews with officers, victims, and suspects, giving viewers a sense of the emotional impact of crime and law enforcement. Reeve asks tough questions and doesn't shy away from difficult topics, but he also shows empathy and understanding towards those he interviews.

The series also examines the relationships between police officers and the communities they serve. The show highlights how police officers work to build trust and connections with the public, and how they navigate tensions and conflict when they arise. This aspect of the show is particularly relevant in light of ongoing discussions around police reform and community policing.

Overall, The Force: Behind The Line is a fascinating and informative look at policing in Australia. The series provides a unique perspective on the work of law enforcement officers, covering a wide range of topics and issues in a thoughtful and engaging way. Simon Reeve's hosting is a major asset to the series, bringing humanity and curiosity to the subject matter. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in law enforcement, criminal justice, or Australian culture.

  • Premiere Date
    August 21, 2006
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (28)