The Force is a series of three observational documentary programmes created for Channel 4 by Oxford Film and Television and Patrick Forbes, following the work of Hampshire Constabulary. The first episode follows a murder investigation after a burnt body is found, the second follows the work of a dedicated rape unit, while the third follows a case of arson/murder, nine months after the incident. The series, which was first run from 13 to 27 October 2009, was well received by critics, who said the documentary was more interesting than they had anticipated.