Policing

Clare Ball, Detective Inspector, Avon and Somerset Police reflects on why joining policing later in life became one of her greatest strengths, how lived experience shaped her leadership and why creating space for officers to speak openly has transformed the culture within her teams.

Looking ahead to The Emergency Tech Show, Charlotte Hails from O2 Business shares how her career in policing influences her work with suppliers to ensure technology provides solutions that have impact.

Alison Dewhirst of CIPFA examines why strong financial leadership is critical to policing success, arguing that effective governance, strategic oversight and sustainable funding models are essential as forces confront rising demand, constrained budgets and ongoing reform across the UK policing landscape over the coming years and beyond current operational pressures.

When emergency services step back from the conversation, social media doesn’t wait to fill the space. The new Policing and Media Charter sets out a more open approach, writes Dee Cowburn, arguing it could help rebuild trust and improve how information flows in fast-moving incidents.

Cumbria Constabulary will roll out a new mobile policing app to 1,300 officers under a 10-year deal aimed at improving frontline access to data and reducing paperwork.

More than 4,100 people have applied to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s 2026 student officer intake, with recruits set to begin rigorous training.

A new national service aims to tackle one of policing’s long-standing challenges, fragmented data held across individual force systems.

Taking place on Thursday 29 January 2026, Deeds Not Words, is the theme of this year’s Women in the Shade conference, reflecting a shared determination to move beyond statements of intent and focus on meaningful, measurable action that supports Black women working in uniformed services.

All police forces in England and Wales will introduce specialist rape and sexual offence investigation teams under new measures announced by the Home Secretary, as part of the government’s new Violence against Women and Girls strategy.

Reflecting on the NPCC / APCC conference, Amanda Coleman notes that while the conversations seem to be the same since her time in the sector, more emphasis on communications is key to progress in policing.