The Chief: Series 1 DVD, 1990

Tim Pigott-Smith stars as John Stafford, a newly promoted Chief Constable, in this police procedural drama series with a difference. The Chief shows a police force undergoing a culture change, as the outspoken and deeply committed Stafford attempts to reform crime-prevention policies and challenge the frequently unacceptable behaviour of his front-line officers. There are always difficult decisions to be made, and often at a professional and personal cost. The cast of this powerful drama series, originally transmitted in 1990, also includes Judy Loe (Ace of Wands) as Stafford's doctor wife, Elizabeth, and Eastenders stars Tony Caunter and Ross Kemp.

A a police office in London for 30 years, I was captivated by this unusual look at the Police Service, from the perspective of a Chief Constable rather than the office... more >

A a police office in London for 30 years, I was captivated by this unusual look at the Police Service, from the perspective of a Chief Constable rather than the officer on the street.

Having worked for a Senior Commander in London I found the show to be both entertaining and realistic in its outlook to the political side of policing.

I was an avid fan in the 1990's when it was shown on TV and look forward to collecting the whole series on DVD as it is re-released.

A very watchable series made even more so by Tim Piggot-Smith and Martin Shaw who both shared the role of the Chief. < less