Topical issues

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.

ELECTION REACTION: In the first of a series of exclusive articles following the result of the General Election, Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys discusses the implications for the review of the police funding formula.

OPINION: In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks on the UK, Emma Williams of Canterbury Christ Church University says thank you to those officers who warned the public that police numbers were too low, and who are now working full stretch to protect us.

Opinion: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is planned to become legislation in the United Kingdom on 25 May, 2018. The UK government has confirmed that the UK’s decision to leave the EU will have no impact on the enactment of the GDPR within the UK. Robert de Souza, Associate Partner at Chaucer Digital which works with the Home Office, the NPCC, Police ICT Company as well as police forces, explores the implications of this decision. 

OPINION: Do scripts - and other similar prescriptive frameworks - undermine police officers' ability to think for themselves? Emma Williams of Canterbury Christ Church University argues that officers need to be able to be human, and to make mistakes, and flags up CCCU's June conference on barriers to change.

Interview: Innovative work in Scotland has helped drastically drive down rates of violence, including knife crime. As England’s capital sees sharp increases in gun and knife crime, around 42 and 24 per cent,  according to recent figures released by the Metropolitan Police, can Scotland's experience shed light on how to tackle such a devastating crime? Will Linden, Acting Director at the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) which works with Police Scotland, speaks to Policing Insight.  

ANALYSIS: The seventh of a monthly series in which CoPaCC's Sandra Andrews takes a look at some of the most interesting and topical issues that Police and Crime Panels across England and Wales are dealing with. This month, Sandra looks at the scrutiny arrangements for the new Metro Mayors as some of them take over the responsibilities of Police an Crime Commissioners.

OPINION: Some vulnerable individuals can contact the police disproportionately often. Supt. Andrea Barrow and Prof. Stuart Kirby of the University of Central Lancashire explain how Lancashire Constabulary has worked together with partners to set up Early Action Teams to deal with vulnerable callers.

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.

OPINION: What's in the general election manifestos on criminal justice - and more importantly, perhaps, what isn't? Will McMahon, Deputy Director at the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, reads between the lines, and says it's time to look more closely at demand.

UK POLICE MEMORIAL: A transcript of Lord Stevens' speech to the Police Federation of England and Wales national conference 2017, calling for support for the new UK Police Memorial.

OPINION: Evidence-based policing is a focus of debate, including over what should count as evidence, and whether the Randomised Control Trial is over-valued. Prof. Kevin Morrell and Prof. Mark Learmonth of Durham University show how a limited definition of 'evidence' can damage understanding of the real world.

CONFERENCE: Are we on the cusp of a step change in policing? A two-day conference in Northampton is asking researchers, leaders, frontline officer and research-active practitioners to debate the issues. Supt Dave Hill, Programme Director for the East Midlands Police Academic Collaboration (EMPAC), explains the background.

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

Analysis: Last year's Police Federation of England and Wales' Health and Well being survey of its members revealed a mental health ticking time bomb. The association, representing officers up to the rank of inspector, says officers are at breaking point, so what is the service doing about it? 

NEWS: A look at the police and policing references in the Labour Party's manifesto for the June 2017 General Election

OPINION: Officers taking a break have been in the news lately, with both positive and negative public responses. Serving officer Chris Excell summarises a recent @WeCops discussion on the vital need for officers to be able to take a break - publicly or privately - and the underlying issues of police welfare, stress and wellbeing in general.

OPINION: Ahead of manifesto launches and the Police Federation conference this week, Policing Insight editor Carina O'Reilly (also a Labour councillor) takes a look at what we can expect from the parties on policing – and whether what they promise matters.

OPINION: How will ongoing police reforms affect the Special Constabulary? Could their future include further integration with regulars - including the use of Taser? Dr Iain Britton, Institute for Public Safety Crime and Justice, reflects on his attendance at the annual national conference of the Association of Special Constabulary Chief Officers’ (ASCCO).

Analysis: Following the UN's stinging criticism of Prevent last year, senior policing figures have hit back saying the strategy is the victim of bad press and inaccurate reporting, but are the problems with Prevent more than just a 'broken brand'? 

Opinion: Met Commissioner Cressida Dick explains why she is supporting the new UK Police Memorial campaign.

Opinion: As she prepares to retire after 30 years in the police service, the College of Policing's Lead on Direct Entry, Chief Superintendent Nicola Dale, looks back on her last three years in post.

OPINION: Evidence-based policing has seen tremendous growth in the last few years, but has yet to reach the 'tipping point' where it becomes the norm. Chief Supt. Owen West argues that what's needed is an appetite for risk, and an investment in frontline officers.