Line of Duty's latest series has dazzled viewers with its chic and sleek costumes, but some police officers question whether the high-end looks compromise the show's gritty realism. The BBC One crime drama, known for its intense undercover operations, has this season featured characters Kate Fleming and Jo Davidson in designer labels like A.P.C., ME+EM, Maje, and Jigsaw.
Maggie Donnelly, costume designer for the show since season two, noted that Kate's trenchcoat and bomber jacket were from A.P.C., while the winter 2019-20 range of ME+EM worked well for both characters. However, serving police officers have expressed doubts about the authenticity of such expensive wardrobes on the force.
One officer with two years of service said: 'Most cops don't want expensive clothing to be ruined. I could be directed to effect an arrest and end up crawling about someone's house doing a search.' Another officer with a decade of experience added: 'I've gone for budget clothes just in case you get involved in an altercation.'
Despite the concerns, some officers acknowledged the need for a smart appearance. 'When you're dealing with members of the public and serious allegations, you need to look and act professional,' said a female officer. She noted that 'smart' can vary from smart casual to suits depending on the role.
Fleming's short hairstyle this season also received approval from a serving officer, who said: 'It's about having hair up and out of the way, so it can't be a distraction and it can't be pulled if someone tries to attack you.'
