This month’s white paper edition takes readers inside some of the most significant developments shaping policing today. With the Government proposing the biggest, most radical overhaul of policing in England and Wales in 200 years, we examine what these reforms could mean in practice.
The Police Federation highlights where the proposals show promise, and where urgent work is still needed to ensure any changes genuinely strengthen and support officers on the frontline.
Examining new Federation data, we highlight a growing concern across the service. The findings reveal a notable link between police suicides and the misconduct system and show how gaps in welfare provision can leave officers feeling isolated at the most difficult moments of their careers. Alongside the analysis, MPS PC Lyndsey Dagley shares a personal reflection on the support she received from a Federation rep during a challenging time, offering a human perspective on why these issues matter.
We introduce the Police Federation’s new equality strategy, which aims to embed fairness throughout every stage of an officer’s career by strengthening protection, accountability and challenge where needed, and we examine new Home Office workforce data showing ongoing recruitment and retention pressures as forces struggle to replace experienced leavers and maintain neighbourhood policing numbers.
We spotlight two urgent frontline challenges: a deep dive into the rising assaults on officers and the growing reliance on Taser, now used more often than batons or spray, as well as Police Oracle’s investigation into widespread racial abuse against officers, reinforcing the Humberside Police Federation’s Protect The Protectors: Stop Racism Against Police campaign after at least 10,922 hate crimes were recorded across 27 forces.
Celebrating the return of the West Midlands Police Mounted Unit, we explore how after more than 25 years, the force has rebuilt its capability, bringing back an approach that blends tradition with modern operational needs. The coverage looks at how the unit contributes to visibility, reassurance and community engagement.
This month’s Reps Spotlight highlights the contribution of Detective Inspector Hannah Sydney, whose commitment to supporting colleagues and improving standards has been widely recognised, and in Lookback, we explore 150 years of photographic innovation in policing, from early mugshots to today’s digital imaging and 3D reconstruction tools.
To round out the issue, former detective Steve Dodd highlights the vital role of Special Constables in supporting public trust and overstretched teams, while a University of Liverpool review exposes major evidence gaps in global missing persons policing.
