Police Federation is blasted by ex-cops after saying name of new ITV comedy 'Piglets' is 'disgusting' and 'offensive' - as former officers tell service bosses to 'get a grip... it's a joke'

The Police Federation has been blasted by ex-cops after saying the name of new ITV comedy 'Piglets' is 'disgusting' and 'offensive' - as former officers tell service bosses to 'get a grip... it's a joke'.

Fictional television series 'Piglets' is set in a police training college and follows a group of new recruits. 

However, the name of the new ITV show - airing on July 20 - has caused a stir with the Police Federation which released a statement slamming it yesterday. 

The word 'pig' is a word sometimes used in a derogatory way towards police officers - however according to sources the show is not satirical or political. 

Tiffany Lynch, Acting National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: 'The new ITV show titled 'Piglets' is highly offensive to police officers risking their lives to protect the public every day providing an emergency service.

'It is a disgusting choice of language to use for the title of a TV programme. I find it incredulous that this has passed through checks and balances at an organisation made up of people who at any time have or may need the support and assistance of the police.

'Our colleagues are working hard and keeping people safe under relentless negative pressure at the moment, insulting our new in service officers is unhelpful.

'The name of this show is also inflammatory against a landscape of rising threats and violence against officers. We should not be put at further risk for viewing numbers, our officers deserve respect not humiliation for the job they are undertaking.

'It is actually incredibly dangerous to incite more negativity and misinformation against a public sector service that's already under so much pressure.'

The CEO of the Police Federation of England and Wales, Mukund Krishna, added that the group plan to write to Ofcom and ITV regarding their complaints. 

However, some former officers have taken to social media to blast the Federation's response to the show and say the series is a comedy.

A former officer, with 30 years experience, said on Twitter/X: '@PFEW_HQ do get a grip. It's a comedy. Focus on issues that really affect your members.'

One former officer commented:  'Very good. You have bigger fish to fry than that. Unless and until the governance issues are rectified, your members really don't need you to focus on anything else It's looking pretty poor from out here.' 

Another ex-police officer said: 'It's just a comedy show. I was called far worse. You should be fighting for equality and fighting to rectify the mistakes you made over the pension scheme not getting involved in TV programs.'

A show spokesman said 'Piglets is a fictional new comedy about a police training academy and the title is not intended to cause any offence, it's a comedic and endearing play on words to emphasise the innocence and youth of our young trainees.' 

MailOnline has contacted the Police Federation for comment.