Why are so many US citizens killed by the police? 

Sky News’ latest one-hour documentary - HARD-WIRE: Law of the Gun - explores why last year the US police killed more than 1,000 people and how recent high-profile shootings of black citizens have led to violent protests across America and news headlines around the world. The programme will air both on Sky Atlantic (Monday 1st February 21.00) and Sky News (Tuesday 2nd February 21.00).

Sky News has gained unprecedented access to US police departments in some of the most dangerous districts in America. Law of the Gun takes viewers to the frontline as police forces struggle to reduce the number of citizens killed each year on America’s streets.  

Sky News joins the officers on patrol. The team journey with veteran cops and new recruits, as they respond to 911 callouts to tackle armed suspects, and meet the senior police chiefs who run the troubled districts.  

The documentary also follows Chuck Wexler, a former hostage negotiator with the Boston Police Department, as he travels to Scotland to see for himself the techniques and approach used by Police Scotland. Wexler is on a mission to learn from the less confrontational tactics used in the UK. But can they be applied to the US? 

This observational film looks at what has gone wrong in US policing, and aims to find out whether efforts to change police training and reverse the breakdown in community trust stand any chance of curtailing the killings.  

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, commented: “The issue of gun crime and policing will play a major role in the US Election campaign this year. I’m delighted that Sky News has been able to shine a light on the issue in the latest of our long-form documentaries, which showcase the best of our distinct, original journalism.”  

HARD-WIRE: Law of the Gun was produced and directed by Wael Dabbous. It’s the latest in a series of documentaries, which demonstrate Sky News’ commitment to high quality, long-form journalism. Previous programmes in the series include, People Smuggler: World’s Most Wanted and Fighting IS: Big Phil’s War. 

Sky 

Sarah El-Hadidy

Sky News PR 

sarah.el-hadidy@sky.uk