In the Line of Fire

First of a two-part documentary on the work of the CO19, the firearms division of the Metropolitan Police. The programme makers were granted unique access to the unit, following its officers for four months at close quarters.

Gun and gang crime is plaguing Britain's major cities and London has been hit the hardest with on average, two people shot every day. For the first time, a documentary goes on the frontline with CO19, the firearms division of the Metropolitan Police, the unit charged with tackling London's gun criminals. The series provides a rare and compelling insight into a dangerous job, where split second decisions can make the difference between life and death.

The film provides a no holds barred account of the Metropolitan Police's tough battle against gun crime. Officers are seen at the sharp end of policing, where they are trained to meet force with greater force.

The programme makers film C019 as they respond to life threatening incidents, tackling gang members who show no fear of turning their guns on the police.

C019 officers tell the cameras what it is like to be handed a weapon at the start of every shift and how they approach a task which increasingly pits them against armed teenagers from communities which their experience tells them deeply resent the police.