Line of Duty episode 1: What does Chis mean?

Word CHIS mentioned numerous times in new episode

Line of Duty fans were left asking the same question throughout the first episode of the new series: What does “CHIS” mean?

The hit BBC drama returned for its sixth run on Sunday (21 March) with the launch of a new AC-12 investigation – this time focused on DCI Joanne Davidson (Kelly Macdonald).

In typical Line of Duty fashion, the series began with a fast-paced sequence as viewers discovered that DS Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) had quit AC-12 and was working for MIT alongside Davidson.

Within moments, police jargon was being thrown back and forth with the word “CHIS” mentioned numerous times. However, some fans were left wondering what it meant.

For those who don’t know, CHIS is an acronym standing for “Covert Human Intelligence Source”. In other words, a CHIS is a police informant.

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So many people were wondering what Chis meant that the show’s official Twitter page stepped in to clear the matter up.

Fans of the show were on high alert when it came to clues regarding what’s to come in this series.

One such moment occurred in the sole scene Fleming had alongside her former AC-12 team member DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston).

Arriving for a secret meeting at the station where MIT is based, Steve flashed his car lights four times to signal his location.

However, fans noticed that this is morse code for H, which they derived to be an ominous clue that Steve might be the fourth and final corrupt police officer yet to be identified.

Martin Compston in ‘Line of Duty’ (BBC)

Kate herself questioned Steve’s choice of signal, which he claimed was the “first thing” he thought of.

Lending credence to the theory that Steve could be one of the members of “H” is Pointless star Richard Osman, who jokily tweeted that CHIS could actually stand for “Clearly H Is Steve”.

Line of Duty continues Sundays at 9pm on BBC One. Read our review of the show’s return here.