INSIGHT: In an article from the CoPaCC "Bodyworn Video in Policing" thematic report published in September 2017, Gary Mason looks at how police firearms units require a more nuanced approach to body-worn video than their unarmed colleagues. From camera positioning to reviewing sensitive footage, questions about their ideal and fair use persist.

2017 Review: A surprise General Election and a promise to deliver on law and order following a spate of terrorist attacks, calls to increase funding in the face of the terror threat and economic renewal, historic abuse cases still coming to light, changes in governance for Police and Crime Commissioners and some familiar conundrums with police powers provide the backdrop to Policing Insight’s news review of the year through the eyes of our popular Media Monitor.

Analysis: The recently-published ICT Strategy, drawn up by the National Police Technology Council (NPTC), contains 26 principles designed to guide forces through their approach to ICT. But, when 43 police forces in England and Wales have 2,000 separate ICT systems, can it succeed?

INSIGHT: Civil Aviation Authority certification is a necessity for commercial drone use. Gary Mason looks into the steps towards gaining these qualifications and what the test actually involves

INTERVIEW: As individual forces explore the ways in which they can use drones in everyday policing, Gary Mason talks to Russell Woolford, Assistant Operations Director with the National Police Air Service (NPAS) about the role to be played by the organisation, which currently manages helicopter and fixed‑wing aircraft fleet across England and Wales

INTERVIEW: Gary Mason talks with National Police Chiefs' Council lead Steve Barry about current and future plans for drone use, the legislative challenges to be overcome, and the problems surrounding governance

INTERVIEW: Oscar Kilo was launched six weeks ago as a national police wellbeing resource. Lancashire Chief Constable Andy Rhodes has led the initiative and speaks to Gary Mason about the importance of its mission to share learning and best practice from across emergency and blue light services so organisations can invest the very best into the wellbeing of their staff.

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s local and national news including a landmark police firearms case at the Old Bailey and a justification for poor arrest rates among Special Constables

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s national and local police news including a report on "Reshaping policing for the public", the West Midlands Police withheld report on grooming and a spat over finances between a local MP and his PCC.

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s national and local police news.

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s national and local police news.

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s national and local police news.

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s national and local police news.

NEWS: Greater Manchester take the first steps towards devolution with Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd selected as the interim mayor.

NEWS ANALYSIS: With increasing examples of local police and fire collaboration and indications that a Bill will be put forward to allow the formal merger of police and fire services, Gary Mason reports on progress.

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s national and local police news

NEWS: A partnership scheme between police forces in Northamptonshire and Cheshire has picked up a prestigious international award.

NEWS: A senior officer with the rank of Assistant Chief Constable has been appointed by two police forces with the specific role of developing a strategic alliance in order to save £20 million within four years.

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s national and local police news.

NEWS: The chief constables and police and crime commissioners for three forces have signed an agreement to extend their collaboration to cover HR and training.

NEWS: North Yorkshire Police has set up a new Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) hub to improve its ability to deal with cross border criminality.

IN THE NEWS: Gary Mason reviews the week’s national and local police news.

NEWS: South Yorkshire Police this week started a new neighbourhood policing system, which uses changes in shift patterns and mobile technology to try and provide 24-hour policing cover while reducing costs by more than £8 million.

OPINION: Gary Mason argues that the serious shortcomings of the Bedfordshire police precept referendum may preclude their use in future.