'Our Law': compelling new documentary series

Narrated by Deborah Mailman, the new six-part series follows on from the success of a half-hour documentary special that premiered in 2020.

Source: NITV

Part of an epic content line-up that celebrates NITV's 10 years as a free-to-air broadcaster, groundbreaking new six-part Our Law explores the relationship between police and First Nations people in Western Australia, airing with double episodes weekly from 8.30pm Thursdays starting 5 January on NITV (and simulcast on SBS).

After 170 years of locked doors and sealed lips, documentary cameras are now granted intimate and candid access to the Indigenous officers and cadets attempting to break the cycle of Indigenous incarceration and repair a deeply troubled relationship between police and First Nations peoples, while giving voice to the communities being policed.

The new series follows on from the success of an initial half-hour documentary special of the same name, which premiered in 2020 (now streaming at SBS On Demand). 

Narrated by Deborah Mailman, the new series follows multiple stories and subjects across its six episodes. Can cadets, Leroy, Hannah, and Shaye, overcome their own personal challenges and pass the gruelling fitness tests required to progress through to becoming official police recruits? Can frontline officers, Tyler, Tiarna and Cohen, achieve their aspirations of becoming the ultimate frontline, one that can change a police culture from within and rebuild trust between First Nations people and the blue uniform?

Taryne Laffar, Our Law producer, said, “It is with relief, excitement, responsibility and pride that I wish to say, to be working with and for so many Indigenous Traditional Owners and Communities around Western Australia - this is for you.

“Our Law not only shines a light on the policing of Aboriginal Peoples in WA, through the lens of Aboriginal Police Officers and the Indigenous Peoples and Communities they police, but is providing solutions based contemporary evidence when looking at the historical and contemporary issues of relations between Indigenous Peoples and the WA Police.”

Our Law premiered Thursday 5 January on NITV (simulcast on SBS), with double episodes weekly from 8.30pm Thursdays. Episodes will be available at SBS On Demand after they air. Start with episode 1: