Suffolk police and Ipswich Town feature in Channel 4 series

While camera crews have descended onto Portman Road to chart Ipswich Town's rise on the pitch in recent seasons, filming has also taken place outside the stadium.

The new documentary series, titled Football Cops, follows dedicated officers around the country, including Suffolk police's Ian Roland and his team.

It shows how officers look to minimalise trouble (Image: PA)

Episode one sees the introduction of new electronic turnstiles against Wycombe Wanderers, when the club is still in League One.

Mr Roland spoke of the "nervousness" around the introduction and wanting fans to be safe as they enter the ground.

"The whole idea is that the thousands of people that might be turning up to watch a football match that afternoon can do so safely," he said. 

Fans have organised coach greets for big occasions during the past two seasons (Image: PA)

However, no issues were found with the flow of people through the turnstiles.

Episode two tracks the policing operation around the win over Exeter City, which saw the club earn promotion back to the Championship in April 2023.

Thousands of fans welcomed the team coach on that momentous day, including with the use of pyrotechnics. 

Officer Roland spoke out about the dangers of using flares, but ensured all fans were safe during the coach greeting.

Prior to that game against Exeter, on April 18, Kieran McKenna's side needed to beat Port Vale. 

A goal down at half-time, officers begin to assess the crowd for signs of any trouble and potential angst. 

One home fan can be seen being ejected from the stadium during the second half, while an away supporter is led away following the equaliser.

Mr Roland said: "Working in football stadiums is hazardous. There are some steep stairways in stands in certain stadiums and it can be tricky among crowds, particular if the crowd is lively."