Police forces

OPINION: The latest wave of murders in London has caused deep concern, with calls for a police crackdown on the violence. Prof. James Treadwell of Staffordshire University explains why such a crackdown may not work - unless it's backed by more police resources.

INSIGHT: Last week was National Autism Awareness Week during which the National Police Autism Association (NPAA) published a number of powerful blogs dispelling some myths around autism and raising awareness. The blogs reveal how one force has changed its approach to detainees with autism, but also how officers who have been diagnosed with autism manage their lives and their jobs.

OPINION: NPCC Lead on Digital Policing Steve Kavanagh says that with the right IT, police officers and staff should see data as a powerful tool, but how can this be achieved? MASS Head of Law Enforcement Business Development Chris Bacon offers a sustainable way forward.

INSIGHT: Drones must be managed and maintained to the same exacting standards of manned aircraft. David Hunkin discusses how this can be achieved

ANALYSIS: Report Watch summarises the main findings of reports that impact on policing and includes responses from the main stakeholders as well as media reaction. Here we take a look at HMICFRS Peel Effectiveness 2017 which gives a national overview of effectiveness in the police service.

ANALYSIS: In the fifth of a series of special articles examining the progress of Police and Crime Commissioners as they assume joint governance over police and fire services in their areas, Catherine Levin reports on the latest PCCs to gain government approval.

OPINION: Working with partners can have its difficulties. Serving officer Martin Gallagher explains how closer, informal partnership working with local NHS hospitals led to a culture shift in collaboration - and a reduction in demand.

NEWS: BOOKING IS NOW OPEN for the first annual "Police Governance" summit, which will take place on Wednesday 6th to Thursday 7th June 2018. Organised with the support and guidance of leading police governance professionals, academics and stakeholders, this event explores key police governance challenges of the day. Interested in police governance? Then put the dates in your diary today - and book your place now!

OPINION: Child sexual exploitation was the focus of the Home Affairs Committee’s ongoing Policing for the Future Inquiry this month. As the police continue to battle growing numbers of reports, both current and non-recent cases, frustrated senior police leaders tell MPs much of the online child sexual exploitation is preventable.

ANALYSIS: The latest CoPaCC thematic report 'Police ICT: User perspectives' was published recently. The report provides a unique insight into the views of the frontline on the provision of ICT in their force, based on CoPaCC's national survey. Bernard Rix, CoPaCC Chief Executive, takes a look at user responses to Question 11 (of eleven).

OPINION: New technology is set to transform blue light services. Sarah Timmis of the thinktank Reform introduces a new report on the benefits of the new technology - and the changes to data sharing that this transformation will entail.

OPINION: With the numbers of police officers declining, Management Consultant Martin Wilson, who is the former Head of Innovation for Kent and Essex police, says the answer could lie in increasing online services if the police service can get the 'user experience' right.

ANALYSIS: In recent weeks there have been numerous news stories about the rise in knife crime and gang violence. Mark Cooper looks back at some of the initiatives to tackle these challenges and considers which have been most successful.

ANALYSIS: The BTP Leaving Home research project investigates the impact of the proposed integration of the BTP into Police Scotland on BTP officers and staff in Scotland, exploring issues of organisational identity, community, and attachment. Independent researcher Dr Kath Murray and Dr Colin Atkinson of the University of the West of Scotland explain their findings

ANALYSIS: The Police ICT Company has announced its latest collaboration with Chorus Intelligence which they believe has the potential to save thousands of hours across UK policing. Northamptonshire Police has already successfully trialled the software and is now looking to extend its use. Tina Orr-Munro reports.

NEWS: BOOKING IS NOW OPEN for the first annual "Police Governance" summit, which will take place on Wednesday 6th to Thursday 7th June 2018. Organised with the support and guidance of leading police governance professionals, academics and stakeholders, this event explores key police governance challenges of the day. Interested in police governance? Then put the dates in your diary today - and book your place now!

ANALYSIS: The latest CoPaCC thematic report 'Police ICT: User perspectives' was published recently. The report provides a unique insight into the views of the frontline on the provision of ICT in their force, based on CoPaCC's national survey. Bernard Rix, CoPaCC Chief Executive, takes a look at user responses to Question 10 (of eleven).

OPINION: Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in policing to predict crime and direct scarce police resources. However, Professor Michael Rowe of Northumbria University warns that the moral and ethical ramifications of using such technology are potentially serious, and need to be kept in view.

ANALYSIS: The charity Revolving Doors Agency works with Police and Crime Commissioners to tackle issues that blight their communities. In their latest report on Violence Against Women and Girls, Ellie De, a policy officer with Revolving Doors Agency, highlights the good practice that is taking place around the country.

ANALYSIS: Report Watch summarises the main findings of reports that impact on policing and includes responses from the main stakeholders as well as media reaction. Here we take a look at the NPCC's Livestock Worrying Police Working Group Final Report which has analysed four years of data to determine the extent of livestock worrying and the criminal justice response.

INTERVIEW: HMICFRS recently highlighted Gwent Police for its innovative approach to police training when it became the first force to use virtual reality technology for routine officer training. Mick Keyte, Director at Detect Deter Defend Limited and Tim Luft Director of Virtual Reality Simulation Systems worked with Gwent Police to implement the technology. Mick Keyte explains its benefits.

ANALYSIS: The Metropolitan Police Service is moving from a Borough-based policing model to Basic Command Units (BCU) which will mean fewer, but larger policing areas. The force believes this will improve its service to its communities, but is bigger necessarily better? Former Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett examines the issues.

INSIGHT: CCTV plays a vital role in police investigations reducing costs, time and effort as well as improving prosecution outcomes. Richard Perkins explains the challenges of optimising the future use of CCTV, exploiting opportunities in interoperability, biometrics and artificial intelligence.

ANALYSIS: In late 2015, coercive control became a criminal offence in England and Wales, but to what extent has the new legislation led to convictions? Working with Merseyside Police, Kelly Johnson and Dr Charlotte Barlow of Lancaster University have explored police responses to domestic abuse since the introduction of the new offence.