Operational policing

EXCLUSIVE: Lord Willy Bach, the first serving parliamentarian to be elected as a Police and Crime Commissioner, talks about the learning curve for PCCs, appointing a deputy, and why 'blue light' mergers could leave the Fire Service as the poor relation.

OPINION: Arfon Jones, newly elected PCC for North Wales and one of the first two Plaid Cymru PCCs, talks about his background as a police officer, the Home Office's obsession with crime statistics, and his focus on domestic violence and youth justice.

OPINION: Dealing with the most vulnerable is a priority for the police. On 22 July, @WeCops held an online debate on early intervention, with CI Justin Srivastava (@CiSrivastava) as the guest host. Eric Halford (@DSEricHalford) summarises the debate and why early intervention matters - and how it can be done better.

OPINION: Ch Supt Gavin Thomas, President of the Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales, explains why he is "pleased to see today's crime figures show a massive amount of online and cyber fraud offences".

ANALYSIS: As the "Pokémon Go" craze takes hold, Cheshire Police Sergeant Neil Dewson-Smyth examines how the #DontStreamAndDrive social media campaign has sought to change driver behaviours for the better.

ANALYSIS: What works in protecting homes against burglary? Dr Rebecca Thompson and Professor Andromachi Tseloni examine the evidence as to which security devices are actually effective in lessening household burglaries.

OPINION: How could the Brexit vote affect the UK's ability to deal with organised crime? Dr Anna Sergi of the University of Essex argues that the UK's isolation could be game changing for criminal gangs – and in the worst way.

ANALYSIS: As the full ramifications of the recent Brexit vote become clear, Chief Inspector Lee Gosling explores the potential impact of a complete withdrawal from the EU on UK pan-European policing functions, outlining how each aspect of co-operation with Europe currently works, and how it will need to be unravelled or replaced.

OPINION: New PCC for Derbyshire Hardyal Dhindsa talks to Policing Insight about diversity, mental health, fire mergers, and his pledge to visit all 383 towns and villages in Derbyshire to reach out to the county's different communities.

OPINION: Much of the UK's security is dependent upon its ability to work in co-operation with partners. The recent referendum and the potential departure of the UK from the EU poses a danger to that work. Former Greater Manchester ACC Ian Wiggett unpicks the ramifications of Brexit, and warns that it will take a lot of effort by political leaders to ensure that co-operation is not damaged.

OPINION: What will the referendum mean for policing? Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas, President of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales, explores the challenges and the possibilities of the unchartered waters ahead.

OPINION: What are the major challenges for a PCC entering their second term? Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex, gives us her reflections on the job, her achievements, and the opportunities ahead.

OPINION: Jason Ablewhite was elected in May as Cambridgeshire's new Police and Crime Commissioner. He describes his first month on the job - the lessons he's learned and the challenges he sees in the years ahead.

OPINION: Is the UK safer and more secure within the EU? In the introduction to the report Britain is Stronger in Europe, the Rt Hon Charles Clarke, former Home Secretary, makes the case for voting 'Remain', along with co-authors Peter Neyroud, former Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police and CEO of National Policing Improvement Agency, and Lord Carlile of Berriew QC.

OPINION: What is the real impact of reduced police numbers? Dr Joan Donnelly of the Police Federation of England and Wales discusses the complexity of 'demand', ahead of a conference next week at Canterbury Christ Church University on Evidence Based Policing: Beyond the Randomised Control Trial.

BOOK EXTRACT: Policing Insight is delighted to publish extracts from "Police Dog Heroes," by Michael Layton and Bill Rogerson.

OPINION: With less than ten days to go before the referendum on the UK's continued membership of the European Union, Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill argues that the UK needs to vote 'leave' in order to strengthen our national security.

ANALYSIS: Who are the people that volunteer to support their police service? What is their contribution to policing? And what about their relationships with the police officers and staff who work alongside them? In the fourth of our blogs celebrating Volunteers' Week, Melissa Pepper explores the evidence.

OPINION: In the wake of a recent @wecops discussion on the role of sergeants, Emma Williams of Canterbury Christ Church University examines the nature of leadership at sergeant level in the changing social landscape of policing.

ANALYSIS: What is the role of local authorities in the fight against organised crime? Ahead of a Public Policy Exchange event on 7th June, Dr Anna Sergi of the University of Essex warns that none of our communities are immune from the threat.

ANALYSIS: New media guidelines proposed by the College of Policing could impose strict new rules on contacts between police officers and journalists. Carina O'Reilly asks if they will protect the police, or smother vital relationships built on mutual understanding.

OPINION: Chief Constable Dave Thompson of West Midlands Police pays tribute to efforts made to increase diversity, but warns that police still need to correct assumptions, think harder, and talk about their challenges.

OPINION: Are Triage schemes doing their job in mental health emergencies? Serving police officer 'Nathan Constable' warns police forces could be heading down a dead end track with no way to turn around.

OPINION: Protecting vulnerable people is the new 'volume demand' in policing. Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas, Vice President of the Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales, outlines the need for a consistent approach to vulnerability.