Martin Fox -
Police Advisor for film and tv
British police dramas are a staple of modern television and film. From the discovery of a suspicious body, to high-speed pursuits and tense suspect interviews, audiences are drawn into the drama of policing. But how accurate are these portrayals—and where can writers and programme makers turn for up-to-date insight into how the modern British police service really operates?
I served as a police officer with Avon and Somerset Constabulary from 1996 until my retirement in 2019. During that time, I worked across multiple Bristol stations—first as a uniformed Police Constable, and later as a Response Team Sergeant and Custody Sergeant in a large urban custody suite, dealing with serious and complex offenders.
Today, I use that experience to help writers and producers create more authentic police characters and bring professionalism and realism to crime dramas.
Script Advice
I collaborate closely with scriptwriters to provide expert guidance on policing scenes, helping to shape authentic and engaging storylines. This includes developing police-related narratives, refining character dialogue, and ensuring that actions reflect realistic operational behavior. My input helps productions avoid outdated tropes and overused clichés while maintaining accuracy and credibility.
- Ensuring appropriate police ranks are assigned to characters within the production
- Advising on current police equipment and its realistic application within the screenplay
What I can do as a Police Advisor
On-Set Advisory for Directors
With over twenty years of first-hand experience in television and film production, I offer on-set support to ensure authenticity in every scene. I work alongside Assistant Directors to advise on how police personnel would realistically operate within both studio sets and on-location environments.
I also collaborate with Directors to ensure background characters are accurately placed, eliminating unnecessary non-speaking extras and correcting any inconsistencies in character roles.
- Ensuring characters portray their ranks accurately
- Advising on appropriate behaviour and responses for police characters within each filmed scenario
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training
I provide Tactical Defence Instruction to actors and supporting artists, enabling them to confidently and safely use police-issued equipment. This training ensures realistic portrayal while minimizing the risk of injury during physical scenes.
- Batons
- Handcuffs
- PAVA / CS spray
- Spit hoods
- Limb restraints
I have worked on the following productions providing useful police advice:
- Casualty (BBC)
- Thor The Dark World (Marvel)
- Macdonald & Dodds (ITV)
- Broadchurch (ITV)
- The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies (ITV)
- Silent Witness (BBC)
Productions I have advised on
Where I am based
Location & Availability
Based in North Bristol, I benefit from excellent access to the M4 and M5 motorway networks, enabling me to travel efficiently to productions across the region. Key production hubs—including Cardiff, Birmingham, London, and locations along these major routes—are all readily accessible.
I am also able to reach all major studio facilities, including Pinewood, Longcross, Leavesden, and Shinfield, within approximately two hours, allowing for flexible and responsive on-set support.