Bad Cops

BBC World Service•www.bbc.co.uk

In Baltimore, Maryland, an elite group of plainclothes officers called the Gun Trace Task Force gets hundreds of illegal guns off the streets every year. Secretly, however, these detectives are also robbing people, selling drugs, planting evidence and framing innocent people. When some of the officers go too far, it triggers an FBI investigation that reveals the Gun Trace Task Force as one of the most corrupt police squads in American policing history. Jessica Lussenhop tells the story of the rise and fall of this once-powerful unit of officers, and its leader Sergeant Wayne Jenkins. And she asks: why do good cops go bad?

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Episodes

7. The golden boy

Wayne Jenkins, now serving 25 years in prison, tells his side of the story. What do the crimes of the Gun Trace Task Force reveal about the city of Baltimore?

Sep 24, 2021•32 min

6. The fallout

A shocking tragedy occurs. Conspiracy theories spread. The trial of the Task Force officers begins, but who will speak out?

Sep 17, 2021•25 min

5. The takedown

Is the FBI's cover about to be blown? Agent Jensen suspects the Task Force is onto her.

Sep 10, 2021•24 min

4. The man behind the curtain

He earned a formidable reputation. But Sgt Wayne Jenkins is leading a double life. Not all the drugs he's seized are making it to the evidence room.

Sep 03, 2021•23 min

3. The warning signs

How many red flags were missed? Years of complaints come to light. Victims of Task Force members share their stories.

Aug 27, 2021•23 min

2. The wiretap

One name stands out as the FBI gets to work. Why does a member of the Gun Trace Task Force have links to a major heroin ring? A whole new level of criminality is revealed.

Aug 20, 2021•23 min

1. The tracker

Civil unrest spreads across Baltimore after 25-year-old Freddie Gray dies in police custody. Meanwhile, a detective makes a troubling discovery when he arrests a major heroin dealer. It’s time to call in the FBI. Presenter: Jessica Lussenhop Producer: Ben Crighton

Aug 13, 2021•23 min

Introducing: Bad Cops

The true story of the rise and fall of Baltimore’s Gun Trace Task Force. Why do good cops go bad? Episode one available August 14th. With Jessica Lussenhop.

Aug 09, 2021•3 min

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