Casting includes ethnic minorities such as black Superintendent Adam Okaro, black DC Eva Sharpe (departing), black gay PC Lance Powell, and Asian PC Leela Kapoor, reflecting London's demographics without clashing source material changes or forced DEI quotas. Storylines include a racism arc where Okaro faces accusations and a trial after Powell's arrest of a black teen draws activist interference and hate mail; homophobic assaults, graffiti, and gay domestic violence cases; implied sexism in female officers' challenges.

Gay PC Powell's sexuality revelation and relationship dynamics feature prominently in several episodes, alongside SCP Jonathan Fox's implied gay relationship. These elements influence character arcs and subplots, tackling homophobia and institutional racism in policing (post-Macpherson era context), but remain integrated into crime narratives rather than driving the primary emotional or plot foundations. No evidence of creator-stated activist intent, overt lectures, gender fluidity, or they/them normalization; no significant audience backlash labeling it 'woke' or 'go woke go broke'; reception notes gritty realism with social issues balanced by entertainment.