National security and policing agencies

OPINION: What do Brexit and the transfer of British Transport Police’s functions to Scotland have in common? Kath Murray warns that there are worrying similarities between the two processes - and dangers ahead if either goes badly.

News: There are a number of information-sharing forums available to the service, but Police ICT believes that when it comes to ICT more could be done to share best practice, facilitate collaboration and enable access to private ICT providers.

Analysis: With forces exhibiting an increasing appetite to share data, the Police Foundation recently held the second in a series of policy dinners in partnership with KPMG to examine the issue in greater depth. Attended by key stakeholders and academics, the meeting explored how data-sharing can be improved. Liz Crowhurst, former Policy Officer at the Police Foundation, summarises the main findings in a policy document.

ANALYSIS: Rural crime is often underestimated by those in urban areas, but can be devastating to those who are victims. Syreeta Lund explores the true impact of rural crime and what police are doing to try to combat its threat.

Analysis: Recent events in London and Manchester have renewed the debate on extremism within the UK and how it should be dealt with. Dr Mark Roycroft, author of  Police Chiefs in the UK, Politicians, HR managers or Cops? (2017) examines the current approach to counter terrorism.

ANALYSIS: What are the implications of Operation Temperer? Ian Wiggett, former ACC and lead for counter terrorism, specialist operations and civil contingencies in Greater Manchester, explores the consequences of a raised threat level to police, the armed forces, and the community.

Analysis: With more and more forces opting to buy unmanned aerial vehicles or drones for air support, Ian Wiggett, a former ACC in Greater Manchester Police, examines their current usage and the implications for the National Police Air Support.

NEWS: Our first look at the police and policing references in the Liberal Democratic Party's manifesto for the June 2017 General Election

NEWS: Our "quick turnaround" first look at the police and policing references in the Conservative Party's manifesto for the June 2017 General Election

Opinion: Former Chief Constable of Cumbria Stuart Hyde QPM explains how the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is helping to mobilise resources to address cybersecurity.  The Yorkshire and Humberside Counter Security Information Sharing Partnership (CISP) champion and Northern Powerhouse partner, aql®'s CEO Dr Adam Beaumont, has appointed Mr Hyde to promote the CISP to local organisations including business, schools, health and charities.

Analysis: Dr Alistair Norman, lecturer in information management at Leeds University Business School, discussed the latest technological solutions around public safety communications at the recent B-APCO 2017 conference, including the drivers, barriers and trends for the future.

Analysis: Former Assistant Chief Constable for Greater Manchester Police Ian Wiggett examines the options facing law enforcement following the terror attack in Westminster last month.

Opinion: Former chief constable of the British Transport Police Andy Trotter OBE QPM, reflects on the terror attack that took place in London last week and the challenges it presents the service. 

News feature: Police officers’ understanding of fraud and cyber crime needs to match their ability to respond to and investigate ‘mainstream’ offences such as theft and burglary if the service is to fulfil its primary role of keeping the public safe, according to the City of London Police.

ANALYSIS: Her Majesty The Queen last week opened the operational nerve centre known as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to manage cyber incidents. Michael Shuff, Marketing Lead at PA Consulting's specialist cyber security arm, 7Safe, takes a look at the NCSC's role.

Interview: Last year, the Internet Watch Foundation marked its 20th anniversary.  Policing Insight talks to CEO Susie Hargreaves OBE about the organisation's changing role and its relationship with its police partners. 

ANALYSIS: The Home Affairs Select Committee has recently launched an inquiry into policing for the future, examining changing demands and new challenges. In the first of two articles for Policing Insight, crime expert and author Tom Gash suggests the Committee needs to focus their attention on cybercrime.

NEWS: CoPaCC is to undertake a major new Thematic, "Unlocking the Power of Police ICT". Bernard Rix, CoPaCC Chief Executive, provides more details.

ANALYSIS: Ian Wiggett, CoPaCC Director and former Greater Manchester Police ACC, reflects on the current state of police ICT, and argues that much greater collaboration on ICT between forces is urgently needed.

OPINION: Last week’s Police ICT Summit signalled a welcome step in a positive direction, says Clare Elford, Managing Director of Clue, a technology company providing specialist investigative software. But suggests it's now time for a greater focus on effective engagement with smaller technology providers.

NEWS: This conference marks the end of a three year funded research programme supported by the ESRC and UK College of Policing to support the What Works Centre for Crime Reduction. Key speakers include: Alex Marshall, CEO of the College of Policing; David Halpern, National Adviser on What Works, Cabinet Office; Professor Malcolm Sparrow, Harvard University; Sara Thornton, Head of the National Police Chiefs' Council.

OPINION: Bernard Rix, CoPaCC Chief Executive and Policing Insight Publisher, draws on the first day of the Police ICT Summit to examine why the Police ICT Company has substantial challenges ahead, and calls on PCCs and Chief Constables to show that they support the Company in its work.

NEWS: This Live Blog covers Day Two of the "Delivering Transformational Reform Together" Summit taking place in Leicestershire on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th January 2017.

NEWS: This Live Blog covers Day One of the "Delivering Transformational Reform Together" Summit taking place in Leicestershire on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th January 2017.