Representative organisations - United Kingdom

NEWS: Policing Minister Brandon Lewis addresses audience at the 2016 Police Superintendents Association of England & Wales (PSAEW) conference.

PSAEW CONFERENCE 2016: Policing Insight's rolling coverage of the National Conference of the Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales, taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon between Monday 5th to Wednesday 7th September.

PSAEW CONFERENCE 2016: Policing Insight's rolling coverage of the National Conference of the Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales, taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon between Monday 5th to Wednesday 7th September.

NEWS: Ch. Supt. Gavin Thomas of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales says officers responsible for protecting vulnerable people should have training and development to an agreed national standard. He sets out what he'll tell the Association's annual conference this week.

OPINION: How inclusive is the modern police force for LGBT officers, and is there work still to do? On 31 August, @WeCops held an online debate on LGBT officers and modern policing, with Detective Superintendent Joanne Edwards (@Joedwar25098564), supported by @lancpolequality as hosts. Eric Halford (@DSEricHalford) summarises the debate.

OPINION: With increasing pressure on budgets, police officers are spending more time dealing with vulnerable people, and are forced to go on patrol alone. Holly Lynch MP was so concerned for the safety of one officer with whom she went on patrol that she rang 999 to get back-up for him. She calls on the government to support the police properly and to empower other agencies to take a lead on dealing with the vulnerable.

ANALYSIS: Last week, the Daily Mail published a story claiming Chief Constables were raking in huge salaries and benefits at the public expense. Cate Moore explores the story behind the headlines, and finds little true investigation and even less accuracy - and warns that a race to the bottom benefits nobody.

OPINION: Should police forces take a more relaxed approach to recruiting those with tattoos? The Police Federation of England and Wales says yes, and is leading a campaign to overcome 'old-fashioned' attitudes. Steve Bax of the PFEW explores the issue.

OPINION: Photos of a gay Metropolitan Police officer proposing to his partner at London Pride last month were shared nationally and internationally, and highlighted the changes that have taken place in police culture and attitudes over the last several decades. Steve Bax of the Police Federation of England and Wales explores how these changes have affected officers on the ground, and what still needs to be done.

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".

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: This June is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History month. Dave Bamber, Police Federation of England and Wales lead for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller police officers, writes about the role of the GRT Police Association, and why it is so badly needed.

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.

ANALYSIS: The shocking murder of Jo Cox MP has brought into sharp focus the personal safety of MPs, PCCs and other political representatives. Carina O'Reilly looks at how we balance the protection of our democratic representatives with preserving their accessibility to the people they serve.

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.

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.

ANALYSIS: PCCs have only four years to establish their legacy before the next elections. Bernard Rix, editor of CoPACC, outlines the four key areas where PCCs can stamp their authority.

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: 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.

ANALYSIS: Ahead of the imminent, potentially massive, changes to Fire and Rescue Service organisation and structure, former Editor of Policing Today Philip Mason asks if the government has learnt from mistakes made during its parallel reform of the Police Service

ANALYSIS: Download and print our useful at-a-glance infographics mapping the 2016 PCC Elections results and comparing them with 2012.

OPINION: Association of Scottish Police Superintendents' President, Niven Rennie, adds his support to last week's warning from PSAEW President Ch Supt Gavin Thomas

OPINION: Steve White, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, takes a look at what 2016 may have in store for policing

OPINION: Niven Rennie, President of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, sets out his thoughts on police governance in Scotland