THE POLICE ADVISOR
Police Advisor / Consultant for Film and TV Productions
​Welcome! I'm Andy Oldham. I retired from the Metropolitan Police as a Police Inspector in 2023. I was also a police officer and Special Constable with Surrey Police. I first put on a police uniform in 1991, which means I bring over four decades of policing experience.
I’m now a police advisor and consultant, providing guidance and advice on how to achieve accuracy in the portrayal of police officers and procedures, while maintaining the drama! So far in 2025, I’ve worked as a Police Advisor on productions for the BBC, ITV and Sky, as well as a major Hollywood feature film.
I’m also working with an author and developing a script for a drama about armed policing - if you're a scripted drama producer who might be interested, please get in touch.
​​So, why choose me as your police advisor, rather than your mate who used to be in the police, hopeful googling or asking AI (oh, the horror!!) Here are some reasons why I can do a better job for you than all of the above:
Why choose me?
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Recent knowledge - I was a copper until very recently, and I have over 30 years police experience across two different police forces including the Met - the UK’s largest
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Lots of experience - During my police career I worked in all sorts of roles and had lots of specialisms.
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Current knowledge - I work hard to keep my knowledge current - including regularly working as an appropriate adult in police custody, talking to serving cops, attending training, seminars and exhibitions
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Great contacts - Even if I haven’t got direct knowledge of what you need, I have contacts with expertise in forensics, internal investigations, traffic, surveillance, under cover work, you name it - if I don’t know something, I will find out for you
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Clear explanations - I’ll explain stuff in a clear, straightforward way, without jargon, and I’m always available for a chat, message or email for quick questions
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On set experience - I’ve spent lots of time on sets. I know how things work and I will be an asset to your directing team (see some of my testimonials below)
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Tried and tested - I’ve got the experience of working as a police advisor on productions large and small - this year alone I’ve worked on dramas for ITV, the BBC and Sky
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I get drama - I understand the world in which you work. I know that you’re telling a story, not painstakingly recreating every detail - so I can help bring authenticity without derailing the drama!
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Cost - Worried about budget? I don’t charge as much as you might think - and accurate, helpful advice that helps raise the quality your production and keeps the viewer engaged is worth it, surely?
Please get in touch for a free, no-obligation friendly chat about your needs, and how I might be able to help.
TESTIMONIALS
Major TV Project (not yet announced)
‘Andy was able to help us professionalise our procedural dialogue for scenes involving characters from the NCU and the Police Service, helping to make the terminology more realistic. His in-depth knowledge of processes, roles and actions of law enforcement was incredibly helpful.‘
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David Twyman, Script Editor
Major TV Project (not yet announced)
‘Andy was involved from the start, reading scripts and providing advice. During pre-production, he worked with costume, props and set builders to give guidance and answer questions. During filming, Andy worked on set with the crew, director and 1st AD. He also provided the crowd AD with help re supporting artistes and even appeared in one scene as a police officer!‘
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Production Manager
Hollywood Feature Film (not yet announced)
‘This production hired Andy before principal filming started as there were some large action set pieces involving the police in London. Andy met with the director and 1AD to talk through these scenes, and help them to understand what police units might be deployed in these particular situations, what kit and equipment they would use, and how they would react as the story unfolded. During a number of meetings Andy provided detailed answers to all their questions. The feedback was that Andy’s knowledge and experience of London policing, in particular armed officers and counter-terrorist teams, was an enormous help!‘
Assistant to the Director
BBC/Firebird Pictures “Wild Cherry"
‘Andy did a wonderful job as Police Advisor on our production. He was involved right from the start, helping us to bring reality and drama to our scripts, and liaising with costume to ensure our supporting artistes looked the part. During filming, Andy worked alongside our director and ADs to add to the verisimilitude of every police scene. He also got involved on-screen as a police supporting artiste. Andy did a great job for us, and I hope to work with him again soon.'
James R Kipping, 2nd Assistant Director
Unnamed Project - Feature Film
‘With our feature film about to begin production we contacted Andy to ask advice about a scene involving a police officer. Andy responded immediately and gave us great advice about the scene that balanced the reality of police work with the dramatic needs of the scene. Highly recommended! Many thanks again Andy!‘
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Matt Baker, Recorded Picture Company
Jingle Bell Heist - Feature Film
‘Working with Andy as our Police Advisor on the production of JBH was an absolute pleasure. His professionalism, extensive knowledge, and helpful demeanour were invaluable assets to our team. Andy consistently offered insightful and productive input, ensuring that the scenes involving law enforcement were authentic and engaging. His expertise greatly enhanced the overall quality of our project. I would highly recommend Andy to anyone seeking a dedicated and skilled Police Advisor for their production.‘
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Daniel Hillary, 2nd Assistant director
Unnamed Project - TV Production
‘The Police Advisor was a great resource for my latest thriller project. I sent him my script and spoke about what things I wanted to happen and he walked me through possible options and even talked about real famous cases and even referenced specific laws. Not to mention how relaxed and casual the call was. Since our call, I’ve gone away and came up with the ending for my story. The Police Advisor's help gave me the resources I needed to finish my story. I’ll definitely be contacting you again :)‘
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Stepping Up Productions
Unnamed Project - TV Production
‘The Police Advisor's unique insight into police operations offered us exactly what we needed to inject authenticity into our heist thriller. We were in the process of redrafting a script with a tight turnaround, and we contacted The Police Advisor due to their vast experience in UK policing. They were very approachable, and keen to show initiative, following a phone consultation, by providing detailed research. Language, culture, and ethos were of particular interest to us, and they were quick to highlight precise terminology and vernacular that we immediately put into our script. They also offered astute anecdotal evidence that substantiated elements of our plot. The Police Advisor was exceptional. We would recommend them for any production that requires expert policing knowledge, and we would not hesitate to call on their services again for future consultation.‘
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Mk1 Productions