Category: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

Cutting edge science and technology will transform policing – with strong neighbourhood teams at the bedrock of every force in the country, the National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair has declared.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens – who brings all UK chiefs together to set the direction for policing – has laid out his ambitious vision for change as forces work to build back the trust and confidence of communities.

The NPCC Chair, who started in post in March, explained that this will not be achieved without “real reform and new thinking,” adding that “incremental improvements” alone are not enough.

He laid out the four key areas of police reform that in his view will deliver a safer society:

• Effectiveness in tackling criminality from the neighbourhood to the transnational
• Exploiting innovation by being at the forefront of UK science and technology
• Leadership, training and wellbeing of the hundreds of thousands of officers, staff and volunteers in policing
• Long term financial resilience to deliver a well-funded police service that can contribute to a strong UK economy

Mr Stephens said listening to and working with communities must be at the heart of everything forces do as he put neighbourhood policing right at the top of the national agenda, alongside exploitation of science and innovation, workforce and finance.

He added: “Without strong, well-resourced and well trained neighbourhood teams, the rest of policing becomes so much more difficult.

“And just as precise and compassionate neighbourhood policing is vital to ensuring safe communities, so is a dynamic, forward-looking service trained, ready and prepared to revolutionise how it works based on insight, data, and evidence of what works.”

He made the comments in his opening speech at the annual National Police Chiefs’ Council and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ Summit in London on Wednesday, his first since becoming chair in March.

Highlighting the benefits of the growing use of AI, facial recognition, automation and drones across policing the Chair said this “pushes the boundaries of technology and innovation to improve public safety and is a symbol of our ambition as a service to innovate for our communities.

“Collectively, I’d like to work with you to make the case, that policing should be a primary place for deployment of the very best that UK Science and Technology has to offer.”

Also central to his vision is growing, developing and training the workforce to ensure it has the skills and capability to deliver for the public. To do this:

• We will deliver 10-year workforce plan to retain the growth, set out the breadth of skills and capabilities needed for the future.
• Set up a national workforce planning capability underpinned by a data.
• We will scale up our response in neighbourhood policing, public protection and fraud and cyber crime.

Mr Stephens also pointed to the need for long-term thinking around funding and explained that policing will make the case for local capital investment budgets to invest in modern workspaces, equipment, technology and scientific advances which will increase productivity and help retain staff.

The chief constable added: “I believe that science and technology will be the single biggest driver of reform in policing in the coming years. The pace is awe-inspiring, daunting, and exciting all at the same time.

“As the use of technology increasingly benefits society, it also benefits criminals and those who wish to do harm to our communities.  Policing cannot stand still as technology evolves. If we do, our effectiveness in keeping people safe will be quickly eroded.

“Innovation and all that it brings quite simply enables our workforce to do their jobs better.  We must push the boundaries of innovation; to be more agile, ensure early adoption and where proven to work, have the capability to quickly scale up nationally.”

The NPCC will launch a new dedicated Science and Technology Committee – headed up by a chief constable – to drive this work forward. And Police Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Paul Taylor has had his role extended and will be in place to oversee and advise policing going forward.

Four cutting edge technological projects underway across policing include:

• Digital fingerprint matching

We are introducing a revolutionary digital fingerprint matching system that will enable police to identify suspects from fingerprint traces in real-time at crime scenes.

• o The capability speeds up the process by 3 days on average, per case.
• o It will also lead to an increase in fingerprint hits by 50% from FY25-26.

This state-of-the-art technology will revolutionise this area of crime investigation and evidence gathering.

• Facial recognition

We are galvanising our commitment to be an effective science-led service and there is no doubt the significant role facial recognition technology has and will continue to play in this.

It is not an exaggeration to say this technology will transform investigation to a similar level DNA did. Retrospective facial recognition (RFR) is not particularly new. It has been used by some forces for a number of years to great effect. We must now use it consistently and we must embrace it in every force.

• o A South Wales Police study found that retrospective facial recognition takes minutes to identify a suspect. Without it – fourteen days.
• o The same force identifies 200 suspects every single month through its use.

Our public expect us to take advantage of these tools. To not do so lets them down.

• Automation

There are tremendous opportunities to automate manual administrative tasks, tasks that take officers and staff away from vital work to protect the public, investigate effectively and catch criminals.

We have now appointed an NPCC Robotic Process Automation Lead to take this work forward, with investment of £1.8m identified to accelerate national adoption and consistent use across policing. This work has been identified as a priority by chiefs’ council.

We are also capitalising on drone use across policing with a national programme under way.

Drones are already an indispensable tool being used to support UK policing, with 400 assets currently in operation across all forces. As part of that programme, EagleX is just one ambitious project promoting collaboration between the police, industry and the regulator to begin using Drones as First Responders (DFR).

This exciting project pushes the boundaries of technology and innovation to improve public safety through drone operations. It is a symbol of policing’s ambition as a service to innovate for communities.

Mr Stephens concluded: “Confidence has been dented, in some places severely, but it is not hanging by a thread.  Most forces have confidence levels above 65% and some remain over 80%.  In particular there are a group of forces who invest more in understanding local views, through widescale and systematic community engagement, and eight of those measure confidence levels higher than their results in the Crime Survey for England and Wales. 

“The strength of local relationship matter, and can be a solid foundation on which to rebuild. When the world is changing around us, I believe it is important for us to show civic leadership and to speak up for our principles and values.”

Saved this page and ensure that you are able to view our latest live streams from our annual summit.

Our Annual Partnership Summit is the most prestigious event in the policing calendar, bringing together senior leaders, politicians, experts, and decision-makers to discuss and shape solutions to some of the most complex issues in law enforcement.

We will be live-streaming select sessions from this year’s summit on multiple platforms. The latest stream will always be embedded on this page. 

Operation Sceptre to focus on impact of accessibility of knives online

Today (13 November 2023) marks the start of Operation Sceptre, an initiative to tackle knife crime across the UK which brings together all 43 police forces and British Transport Police in a week of intensified action.

Throughout the week of action, forces will coordinate activity which targets knife crime from the root cause right through to enforcement. This November, Op Sceptre will specifically focus on tackling and disrupting the importation and supply of knives, particularly the growing accessibility of dangerous knives which can be purchased online.  

Commander Stephen Clayman is National Police Chiefs’ Council knife crime lead. He explains:

“We have been growing increasingly concerned about the wide range of knives which can be purchased online and while age verification is required for purchases, there is little requirement for additional checks to be made.

“We know there have been several murders in recent years where the knives used have been purchased online and we are also aware that some individuals are buying large quantities and selling them on through social media sites like TikTok and Telegram.

“Op Sceptre will include all of the usual operational tactics including education and engagement activity, knife amnesty bins, weapons sweeps and hot spot patrols but we’re also looking to build a comprehensive picture of online retailers across the country which will help to inform our engagement moving forward.

“Our approach has also been significantly strengthened with the proposed legislative changes which are being progressed to reduce the availability of certain types of machetes and to increase policing powers to seize knives. These offer additional robust measures to deal with those who seek to use knives for violence. Ultimately, when used appropriately, they provide a greater means to protect the public and safeguard our communities. 

“Every day as police officers we see first-hand the devastating effects of these deadly weapons on the lives of individuals, particularly young people and we must always look at what action can be taken to restrict the supply chain and prevent access to knives that are used for violence, intimidation and harm.” 

Notes to editors

The proposed changes to knife crime legislation developed by The Home Office in consultation with the NPCC Knife Crime Working Group include:

• A ban on certain types of machetes and knives which seem to have no practical use and seem to be designed to look menacing and suitable for combat.  
• A new police power to seize, retain and destroy lawfully held bladed articles in private premises – this power can be applied only if the police are in the property lawfully already, and have reasonable grounds to believe that the article is to be used in serious crime or serious violence. 
• Increasing the maximum penalty for the offences of importation, manufacture, sale and general supply of prohibited and dangerous weapons and sale of knives to persons under 18 years old, to 2 years. 
• The Sentencing Council to consider amending the Sentencing Guidelines relating to possession of bladed articles and offensive weapons so that possession of a prohibited weapon is treated more seriously than possession of a non-prohibited weapon.  
• The introduction of a new possession offence of bladed articles with the intention to endanger life or to cause fear of violence.  

The Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB) has scrutinised the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) and in August 2023 they published their report, giving seven thematic and seventeen workstream specific recommendations to improve its delivery.

All workstream specific recommendations were accepted in full.

All thematic recommendations were accepted in full with the exception of one which was accepted in part regarding the restructuring of PRAP. This is due to the following:

• The hierarchical structure of PRAP, has potential to promote clarity, efficiency and collaboration. Given the hierarchical structures within policing we need to work within existing structures to get change implemented. This means using the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) structure of committees and sub groups to implement actions coming out of PRAP.
• The NPCC Chair chairs a national Gold Group on standards, which is now being broadened to include the cultural reforms necessary for long term change. This will allow an opportunity for PRAP, through the Programme Director, to influence and advocate for anti-racism approaches across other projects and programmes, by being part of the national group.
• Ongoing work is being undertaken to ensure those who are responsible for delivery of PRAP are genuinely dedicated to anti-racism work and are adequately supported and resourced in that work.
• We will ensure every member of the team on the Programme is valued – looking at continuing professional development, routes to progression and wider development, ensuring there are clear lines of communication and methods to voice ideas and concerns.
• Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

We have made progress since these recommendations were made and will continue to work closely with key stakeholders, ensure Black communities influence the next version of The Plan and fast track actions which will improve policing for Black communities.

Operation Calibre, an initiative to tackle personal robbery, has launched today and will take place across the country during the month of November. The national operation, which will take place across England, Wales and Scotland, is part of intensified efforts to crack down on personal robbery.

Last year the operation saw 385 arrests made by forces, with 427 schools and 126 local community events talking about the dangers of personal robbery taking place.

Throughout the week of action forces will be looking to target habitual offenders and take them off the street, and the transport system. There will be focus on the different strands of education, engagement, prevention and enforcement, all of which are important in playing our part to reduce personal robbery.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Personal Robbery, Commander Richard Smith, said:

“Reducing robbery is a key element in tackling violence. Police officers across the country are working day and night to protect communities and our message to those who think it is ok to commit a robbery and inflict violence in our communities is clear: we will not tolerate this. You will end up facing significant consequences and we will catch you.

“Personal robbery has a devastating impact on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting. We know criminals look for easy opportunities, often targeting some of the most vulnerable in society, such as children, with the threats that violence may be used, making robbery particularly traumatic. We continue to see this impact and it is why tackling personal robbery remains a national policing priority.

“We will target our activity in known hotspot areas, increasing our visibility and operational activity and arresting those intent on committing crime. Targeting those habitual criminals, who can be responsible for a large amount of offending, and using screening technology to detect weapons which we know are often used during robberies. Those that are found to be carrying a knife or any other weapon, can expect to be arrested and prosecuted.

“However, we know that we cannot arrest our way out of this problem. There is a need to deliver a multi-faceted response which is why this week of action sees engagement with charities, schools and many other partners.

“It is through engagement and working with partners that we can deliver long-lasting change and ensure young people can see the effects robbery can have.

“Throughout the week, we will see both an increase in operational policing activity as well as preventative work with schools and clubs, to deliver educational workshops to show young people the impact of robbery and how it effects the future of both the victim and offender.

“This operational activity is in addition to ongoing collaborative work that the NPCC and individual forces are undertaking to design out theft of devices and make robberies less attractive to would be offenders.

“Finally, there are several tips you can do to reduce the chances of you becoming a victim, included below. I encourage everyone to follow these and share them with family and friends. If in the unfortunate circumstances you are a victim of robbery, report it to the police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Personal Robbery Safety Tips

• Anyone can become a victim of robbery, make sure you do all you can to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
• You are less likely to be targeted if you look confident. Move with purpose and try to be aware of your surroundings.
• Plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you’re going somewhere you haven’t been before. Keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV. Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app.
• Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight. If you’re using your phone it’s more likely to be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you.
• And never leave a mobile, any other device, wallet or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub or restaurant. Same goes for any jewellery you might be wearing – keep it covered when walking down the street.
• Finally – and this is so important to remember – if you’re threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t.
• It’s a good idea to scan the area around ATMs before you use them. Be aware of anyone standing close by and always check the machine to see if it’s been tampered with before you use it.
• Things to look out for are devices attached to the machine – some are more obvious than others. If you do see something suspicious contact the police and the bank.
• Remember, if it doesn’t look or feel right then steer clear and, if possible, go inside the bank where it will be safer. And always keep a regular check on your transactions.
• We know it’s not always easy, but try to be aware of anyone near you when you’re at an ATM. Being aware of your surroundings and not being distracted makes it harder for people to take advantage and less likely that they’ll try to.
• Thieves will watch as you key in your PIN or distract you while you’re withdrawing cash. Be vigilant. Cover your PIN and keep an eye on your card at all times. If someone taps you on the shoulder or tries to speak to you, just ignore them.
• When you’ve left the ATM, put your card away immediately.
• You should also be careful with contactless cards. You can get a card holder to prevent your card details being inadvertently read.

Today, the court has decided that the anonymity for officer NX121 will be partially lifted, resulting in the name and date of birth of officer NX121 being in the public domain. Their address, image and any detailed description will continue to be protected.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Armed Policing, Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, said: “Whilst we respect the decision of the court, we also recognise the impact and concern this will have on all officers but in particular armed officers nationally. We will reflect upon the implications this has for policing.

“As an unarmed police service we rely on police officers to volunteer for these highly skilled, difficult and dangerous roles. Authorised Firearms Officers perform a uniquely challenging and important role, making life changing decisions in a split-second. There is the essential need for transparency and accountability which every officer accepts however, there is a clear need for sufficient protection to enable officers to do their job and keep the public safe, with confidence that such scrutiny will be applied consistently, clearly, and in a timely manner.

“We know for many police officers the balance presently does not feel right; therefore, it is vital for officers and the public alike to have the confidence that the processes by which police are held to account when carrying out their duties are fair, proportionate and timely. This is why we welcome the Home Office Accountability Review, and we will be working closely with the Home Office to help get this review concluded swiftly.

“Officers come to work every day and put the public’s safety first and foremost in anything they do. Keeping our policing colleagues and communities safe, across the UK, remains our priority.”

Ends