DCowburn

Articles by: Dee Cowburn

The image shows two police officers walking away, wearing uniforms and hats, amidst a bustling city street filled with people. Their presence suggests a focus on public safety.

Communications, accountability and ICT are crucial in meeting the challenges facing the CJS

30th August 2025

OPINION: The recent joint inspection report published by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services highlighted key challenges for the criminal justice system (CJS) in England and Wales; Dee Cowburn, communications specialist and police media advisor, argues that alongside a national strategy, clearer accountability and more effective ICT, improved communications are crucial in strengthening the CJS.

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Dee Cowburn
Communications specialist

Profile
Dee Cowburn is a communications specialist and media advisor with nearly two decades of experience in high-risk political environments. She runs her own communications consultancy, and has provided advice nationally and internationally on policing communications. A former investigative journalist, Dee previously led the policing and crime communications function for the Mayor of West Yorkshire and the former Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). She set up the press function for the West Yorkshire PCC and advised on a number of high-profile stories, including the murder of an MP, a teacher killed in her classroom, and a police officer shot while on duty.