Trigger Point: Vicky McClure as Lana Washington and Adrian Lester as Joel Nutkins.
(Picture: ITV)The ITV drama Trigger Point has been hailed by Britain’s counter-terrorism police chief for prompting a surge in interest in joining his teams, as they try to protect the country from extremist attack.
Met Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes said there had been a 700 per cent increase in people visiting the careers site of Counter Terrorism Policing since the series starring Vicky McClure and Adrian Lester went on air.
It portrays the work of a fictional EXPO unit in the Met as it tries to foil a succession of bomb plots in London and has been on screen since January.
Explosives officers and specialist counter-terrorism firearms officers are among those depicted in the drama. The final episode airs on Sunday
Today, Mr Jukes said there had been as many as 1,500 visitors to the counter-terrorism careers website on days when episodes have been broadcast and praised the show for stimulating interest in joining the fight against the danger posed by extremists.
“Even the most meticulous crime drama doesn’t capture exactly what it’s like to be a police officer, but these shows do give viewers an insight into the world of policing,” he said. “If they inspire people to do a little bit of research into what it might be like to work with us, that’s a great thing.
“The teamwork, the passion, the complex challenges – and of course, the mission of keeping the public safe does closely mirror real-life. That’s what we do every single day, not just once a week on a Sunday night.”
Mr Jukes, who took over as national head of counter-terrorism policing last year, added that he was “really pleased” by the show’s impact and real-life jobs were available for those willing and qualified to fill them.
“Audiences have seen a wide variety of roles in lots of different teams, and at the moment they’re seeing bomb disposal teams and specialist counter terrorism units. There are real-life opportunities in these teams, not just for officers, but civilian staff too.
“It might be an on-screen drama, but people can be part of the action in real-life if they have the skills and commitment needed to pursue a career in counter terrorism or specialist policing.”
Officials said that although anyone wanting to become a counter-terrorism police officer must already be in the police, there were also “countless” opportunities for staff roles that are open to suitably qualified civilians.
They include jobs as intelligence analysts and posts in information technology, project management and communications.
Anyone wanting to find out more about careers in counter-terrorism policing can visit: https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/careers
