[citation needed] As the show's host, Bell developed a reputation for "straight-talking" and provocative language directed against suspects including "vicious morons," "gutless goons," and "lunatic scumbags.
[5] Lemoto's appointment was accompanied by a format update and a cultural shift emphasising the programme's values and representations.
Auckland councillor Efeso Collins called TVNZ to scrap the series, claiming that it harmed Māori and Pasifika communities for "low-level" entertainment.
[6] Similar criticism was echoed by Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon, who claimed that the show perpetuated negative and racist stereotypes of certain ethnic communities.
[2] In response, former host Bell defended Police Ten 7, claiming that certain sectors of New Zealand society were "grossly over-represented in the crime statistics.
"[6] Following allegations of racism, TVNZ Screentime commissioned Auckland University of Technology dean of law Khylee Quince and media consultant Karen Bieleski to conduct an independent review of Police Ten 7.
In late September 2021, the review criticised the series' "goodies versus baddies" approach to crime and policing and Bell's provocative language.
In addition, the show's format and style was "refreshed" to give a more representative picture of policing in New Zealand and to focus on crime prevention and education.
[8] Each episode usually follows two or three call-outs by police in various cities around New Zealand, for various offences including alcoholism, drugs, violence, vandalism, theft, and general disorder.