News Archives
January 2019 (4)
- Officer loses job but keeps licence after being caught twice the drink-drive limit
Judge takes pity on rail network PC after motoring conviction - Officer who killed man in crash told his job will be waiting for him
'Exemplary' record weighs heavily in chief's decision to allow death driver to return to police ranks - 'Team effort' helped sergeant tackle knifeman
Chief: 'They have averted a tragedy of a far greater scale than was the case' - More than a dozen BTP officers attacked every week
In wake of 'terror-related' stabbing, shameful figures reveal 1,939 reported assaults in last three years
December 2018 (9)
- Flying high as new year brings 50 per cent rise in QPM recipients
Long-serving Sussex officer one of 33 to receive top honour - Police heroes of terror 2017 take a bow in New Year Honours
Commissioner applauds 'extraordinary, courageous, compassionate and professional actions' of officers in aftermath of attacks - Toddler tragedy should remind everyone that 'we're all only human', emotional PC pleads
Public urged not to judge police for appearing to 'take a break' - Officer cleared of misconduct after striking domestic abuse suspect
Panel rules custody sergeant acted 'legitimately' over dealing with detainee - Home Office on service 'destruction': Crisis, what crisis?
Government tells overworked and overwhelmed CID ranks that it takes wellbeing and morale 'very seriously' - Misconduct panel LQCs have 'not brought in quality and fairness'
Damning verdict on independent legally qualified chairmen - Theresa May accused of 'wrecking' police service
Overworked and overwhelmed CID ranks 'can not provide a proper service', detectives' lead warns - Hillsborough: David Duckenfield will face manslaughter charges, judge rules
Trial of match commander to go ahead 30 years after deaths of 96 football fans - Advertorial: How can RSG support your force needs?
Red Snapper Group manages a database of police professionals across a number of disciplines
November 2018 (12)
- Force to ditch baseball caps
New Northamptonshire Police chief says the recently introduced headwear creates the wrong image - Top accolades for officers who put themselves 'at personal risk' in fight for life
Royal humane awards for police heroes in battle to save murder victim - Chief admits simply 'not enough officers' to respond to every crime
Force says it cannot prioritise hate offences as high-impact ones go unresourced every day - CPS warned: Use 'full powers' of new laws to protect emergency workers
Federation hopes landmark legislation will change society view that it is 'okay to assault officers' - Home Secretary says police are 'enforcers not legislators' in unity call on knife crime crisis
Plea to Met and Mayor to use full powers to combat stabbings - Officers must stop accepting 'vile and disgusting attacks' as part of the job
Three times more likely to be bitten by humans than by dogs, survey reveals - Prime minister should apologise for 'rank incompetence' over police pensions
But policing minister insists police chiefs have long known about the changes. - Austerity measures could see duty lawyers disappear within years
'We do not leave the ill to treat themselves'. - Policing told to 'destroy myth not interested in change' over how to finance service in future
But Home Office minister says his department should take 'fair share' of blame
October 2018 (8)
- Chief exec and deputy to share job - six months at a time each
'Novel' move is expected to save PCC some £80,000 a year - Pension squeeze to send policing 'back to the 1970s', chiefs warn
And then there was 'no internet, social media, mobile phones driving the changing nature of crime' - Phil Gormley confirmed as new HMI
Former NCA deputy and Police Scotland chief to inspect both forces and fire services - New chief will spend first weeks supporting staff restructure survivors
'Any change at a time of significant demand is never easy' he said - Chief: Service keeps failing to learn the lessons of history
Ahead of the National Black Police Association conference in Belfast next week, CC Jon Boutcher says forces cannot afford to rest on their laurels on race and diversity - Fed launches legal challenge over pay snub
Staff association head says 'doing nothing was simply not an option' - The words were fine but we need action, Fed tells Home Secretary
John Apter says Sajid Javid's speech gave him a sense of déjà vu - Austerity was becoming unsustainable but battles for funding will continue, says outgoing chief
Police Oracle spoke to the head of the Essex force just before his departure
September 2018 (7)
- 'Silent mental health police culture is killing officers'
Ex-sergeant's poignant talk about his battle with PTSD, depression and his call for better treatment after being let down by his force - CC Habgood 'being scrutinised by Home Office' over pay reform delays, says Hurd
NPCC has been warned work is unlikely to be finished on time. - Police Oracle deputy editor wins journalism award
Inaugural British Journalism Awards for Specialist Media held last night - 'We warned you this would happen', MPs tell Home Office to tackle police cuts
'I won't deny there have been cuts to police', says Home Office minister. - Police service forced to fall back on older ways of catching criminals
The Flying Squad is celebrating its 100th anniversary. - I will fight tooth and nail for officers, says new chief
Head of Northamptonshire Police tells Police Oracle that what is asked of workforce is incredible - Returning London Bridge hero Wayne Marques - the 'very best in British policing'
Support pours in as PC takes on light duties a year on from terror attack outrage
August 2018 (11)
- The Blue pathway to a new career
Blue Pathfinder is a standalone engagement for any police professional - Warning sounded over no deal Brexit risk to public safety
Home Office says it is planning for all possible scenarios - Most rank and file officers worried about personal finances
Federation says derisory pay rise decision adds to stresses - North Wales PCC chooses new chief
Carl Foulkes expected to make the short journey from Merseyside - Judge commends tactical stop pair for bringing moped crook to justice
One PC knocked drug dealer off scooter, the other apprehended him - Met chief 'confident' in professional standards department amid watchdog probe
Commissioner objects to IOPC's use of the word 'corruption' and says she has confidence in DPS
July 2018 (7)
- 'Bullying' chief denies belittling staff
CC Byrne claims his approach was to 'let a thousand flowers bloom' - Met Commissioner 'very comfortable' with facial recognition technology
She said the public will expect police to take advantage of developing technology - Cheshire chief 'burned through six PAs in two years'
Witnesses accused him of 'destroying the office' - Sick leave levels for officers experiencing mental health issues soar
Something needs to change, otherwise future remains bleak, warns Fed vice-chairman - Number of special constables continues to plummet
Specials leaving the force faster than they are joining - Police and fire merger in officers' interest, says Fed
But local fire authority fiercely oppose the proposals - Former Federation vice-chairman faces gross misconduct probe
Watchdog refers case back to Met
June 2018 (9)
- Scrap Gypsy, Roma and Traveller officer jobs says report
It also calls for police chiefs to re-issue guidelines on addressing racist behaviour towards travellers - Training cost of police apprentices set at £24,000
College appealed so forces can access higher amount than initially allowed - Plans for £350k direct entry detective scheme are 'not developed'
Training may not actually last 12 weeks and no decision taken on policy over NIE re-takes - National funding for direct entry detectives announced
New programme will be led by Police Now - Special honours: Three volunteer officers recognised
Marine special and two chief officers named in Queen's Birthday Honours - Birthday Honours: Ex-football PC among federated rank winners
Recently retired intelligence officer and neighbourhood sergeant are recognised - Huge number of cancelled rest days 'not the new normal' says Met
But data and Fed cast doubt over the claim - West Midlands Mayor will take over police and fire service
Policing Minister determined to see proposals go ahead by 2020 - Police Scotland learning the lessons?
Recently retired Police Scotland officer Brian Cook says the persistent fascination with performance management undermines delivery of the police service
May 2018 (9)
- 'The pendulum has swung too far' - Javid on IOPC
The issue will be top of his agenda at an upcoming meeting, he said - 'Loss of wisdom' amid chief constable exodus
At least six forces will soon be competing for the same talent - North Wales police chief to step down
He's the fourth chief constable in a month to confirm retirement - Faster recruitment at heart of strategy to boost detective numbers
Kent Police to fast track recruits to non-uniform roles after 12 months - Assistant commissioner to retire
First black woman to reach chief constable level - Chief Superintendent to take over as ACC
The new ACC is taking over during 'very demanding operational times' - MoD understaffing issues 'exacerbated' by sickness
Concerns have been widely reported by the press this week that MoD Police are not passing fitness tests
April 2018 (12)
- Third chief constable in a fortnight announces retirement
Former Met officer to leave policing after 33-year career - North Yorkshire chief to retire
He was not expected to step down for another two years - PCC loses 'no confidence' vote
Officers participated in a poll issued in response to claims PCC Michael Lane mislead the public over a council tax hike - Chief constable announces retirement
Northamptonshire boss leaves police service after 37 years - 'Train Highways Officers to take on roads policing jobs', says PCC
Police and Crime Commissioner says Highways England officers should help roads police out with some of their more 'mundane' responsibilities. - Force gets flak for sorting offenders using 'crude' stereotypes
Feeding 'offensive' profiles through artificial intelligence to make decisions on freedom and justice is 'truly dystopian', says privacy group - Fury over Home Secretary's violent crime claims
Come and see what is happening in northern inner cities, Ms Rudd is told - PCC hiring £60k assistant despite plea to protect force's frontline
Michael Lane's deputy quit just after just three weeks over 'professional differences' - Force-by-force gender pay gap figures revealed
Pay disparities attributed by some to an imbalance in the number female officers - Government rejects £7 million fracking policing funds bid
At its peak Operation Manilla used 75-100 officers per day
March 2018 (10)
- Merseyside chief questions why vandalism tweet was deleted
Vandals attacked a police car while officers dealt with a particularly distressing RTC - New Northumbria chief constable confirmed
CC Keenen has been acting chief since September - Police support organisation donates £2.1million to boost wellbeing
Thousands of officers were provided with both physical and mental help - Tributes to PC Keith Palmer on Westminster terror attack anniversary
'Keith was a very modest man. He wouldn't like any of the fuss,' says friend - Statistics watchdog rules Prime Minister's £450M 'extra funding for police' claim was 'misleading'
The Home Office has also been urged to publish a regular analysis of police funding on its website - Officer injured in nerve agent attack visited by chief
Chief constable says he is "deeply relieved" to have spoken to him in hospital. - Met appoints new assistant commissioner for counter terrorism
DAC will fill AC Mark Rowley's position following his retirement announcement - Solicitors frustrated with disclosure failings
Overwhelming majority of survey respondents have witnessed the growing issue - IOPC upheaval creates staff skills shortage
The IOPC has dramatically increased its workload - Police Service of Northern Ireland deserves 5.4 per cent pay rise, says Fed
PSNI officers missed out on last year's two per cent pay bump
February 2018 (8)
- New chief says College needs to simplify its offer
CEO Mike Cunningham speaks to Police Oracle about his hopes for developing better connections between officers and the College of Policing - Retired officer speaks out on depression
He was nearly killed in the 80s, saw a military colleague with his limbs blown off and became estranged from his wife and two daughters because of work pressure and tragedy. - National force looking for third chief in five years
Phil Gormley's resignation sparks search for new boss - Chief: 'Don't confuse positive action with positive discrimination'
CC Dee Collins spoke to Police Oracle during force's inclusivity conference - Force appeals for unpaid drivers
Scheme aims to maximise the amount of time officers can spend on core roles - Force alters working conditions to suit menopausal officers
Shake-up includes the introduction of safe spaces to 'cry or talk with a colleague.' - Forces praised for peaking LGBT representation list
Those who did not enter encouraged to sign up to inspire more LGBT officers to join the force.
January 2018 (5)
- Fed urges chiefs to submit impact statements in court
Personally written documents will allow judges to take into consideration the impact the assault has had on the force, the officer's family and the public. - Call for police outsourcing to be brought back in house after Carillion collapse
Biggest policing PFI contracts use firm to maintain and operate buildings - Former Fed chairman gets job at College
Ex-staff association head has a secondment to the professional body - Brave officers commended for Manchester Arena attack response
They ran towards the scene not knowing the dangers they could face
December 2017 (6)
- Former cadet leader 'gobsmacked' by Queen's Police Medal
Neill said he was 'blown away' by the news - President of Superintendents' Association's Christmas message
'The demands and pressures on policing are ongoing, and the amazing people who serve just keep on responding' - Home Secretary's Christmas Message
'Your bravery and professionalism has shone through' - Public list of officers dismissed from policing to be published
Those told to leave service will have their names put on website - Ban on police retiring while under misconduct investigation lifted
Retired officers will now be able to be subject of standards hearings - More than 125,000 applications to join police since 2015
Some forces have had up to 35 people go for each available post
November 2017 (4)
- HMI takes over at College of Policing
Former chief constable Mike Cunningham has been appointed - 'Police leadership is about welfare of officers', chiefs are told
Officer welfare is key to preventing officers from burning out - Cyberstalking app hands back control to victims
A force has partnered with the University of Bedfordshire to develop a mobile app for victims of cyberstalking - Government wants 'nodding dogs' to take charge of policing
Local Police Federation chairman critical of Home Secretary's speech
October 2017 (3)
- 'How many 68-year-old terrorists have you seen on the streets?'
Restrictions to pension access for CNC members could pose a threat to national security - 'Broken' officer pens candid letter to chief constable
'I feel let down, I feel abandoned, I feel alone, I feel undervalued, I feel mentally exhausted' - One per cent bonus will not lead to job losses, says PCC
Chief constable thanks PCC for working to ensure money to fund increase is found without the need for reduction in numbers.
September 2017 (10)
- Understanding Situational Judgement Tests
This is the last of a six-part series of Police Promotion articles, 'b' the best you can be, provided by bselectedpolice.com - 'Leaving the force? I have no regrets'
A former Detective Constable from the City of London Police, 39, left the force in November 2013 after 15 years of service. - 'I'm glad I got out - policing is a thankless job'
Stressed, despondent and disillusioned, James Edmonds, 40, left Lancashire Constabulary after 15 years of service in December 2015. - Former footballer laces up boots in new policing career
The new recruit used to play for Port Vale. - Officers in Scotland given one per cent pay increase
Letter also reveals reforms to overtime and rest day regulations. - Let officers pursue criminals without living in fear of being pursued themselves
Police Oracle editor Martin Buhagiar says a case highlighted this week illustrates why current legislation leaves police drivers vulnerable - Government has made 'clear commitment' to mental health crisis
Minister seeks to "assure" officers over government action on mental health. - Minister says he would be 'irresponsible' to ignore good merger cases
Calls to reduce number of forces to save money - Receiving one application for retiring chief's job 'not unusual' says South Wales PCC
Chief Constable Peter Vaughan is due to retire. - Police forces heading for 'perfect storm', PSAEW conference will be told
Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas will urge Policing Minister Nick Hurd MP to review funding and resources
August 2017 (5)
- Morale continues to fall as stress grows and pay dwindles
More than 70 per cent of officers surveyed unhappy with their total pay package - Officer who transformed his life shortlisted for prestigious award
Things could have turned out very differently for the PC. - Home Secretary says stop and search can be used to 'confront' acid attacks
Amber Rudd says government has given 'police the powers they need' - Racist abuse aimed at officers continues to rise
The number of officers facing discriminatory abuse continues to rise. - Officers' psychological welfare must be looked after, says Met Commissioner
Boss of largest police force says personnel have dealt with 'utterly horrific things' recently
July 2017 (5)
- Outgoing chief talks direct entry, police degrees and training overseas
In an in-depth interview with PoliceOracle.com, CC Alex Marshall discusses his time as the first head of the College of Policing - Theresa May vows to 'consider' public sector pay reports
Prime Minister says recommendations about pay levels for police officers will be considered 'very carefully' - Making officers healthier and happier will help protect the public, says chief
Force is set to introduce extra leave for personnel, and head is also determined to help officers' finances as much as he can - No change to public sector pay cap, says Number 10
Policing Minister's claim about pay is immediately contradicted by Prime Minister's spokesman
June 2017 (6)
- 'I am very clear that we are at a tipping point' country's longest-serving chief warns
'Cuts have left our communities less safe' Lancashire Chief tells Police Oracle editor Martin Buhagiar - Independent report into investigator contract rates released
Document establishes a range of pay rates offered for each specific policing profession - Northumbria saving thousands of working hours by removing 'checking of checking'
Chief Constable Steve Ashman says ideas have come from the front line. - Police Federation calls on Theresa May to invest in service
Tories looking to form government with far right Democratic Unionist Party - Advertorial: Pattern of promotion success
This is the third in a six-part series of Police Promotion articles, 'b' the best you can be, provided by bselectedpolice.com
May 2017 (6)
- Questions asked over direct entry chief constable process
Department said no decisions had been made following an apparent attempt to gauge views from within the service - Home Secretary says Conservative approach to policing will remain the same
Fed reps line up to tell Amber Rudd of a crisis in the service - Policing Minister: Officer numbers are not for me to decide
Delegates are unimpressed by performance - Gloucestershire Chief insists it's "business as usual" as the force faces blue light merger
Temporary Chief Constable Rod Hansen says he wants to "enjoy" being chief.
April 2017 (2)
- Gwent chief constable announces retirement
PCC described him as a hard act to follow - Sara Thornton: 'Post-incident procedure must reflect support our officers deserve'
NPCC Chairman, writing exclusively for Police Oracle, says balance between full investigation and fair treatment of armed police officers must be found.
March 2017 (3)
- What's good for recruits is good for chiefs: Direct entry proposals sparks debate
Ex-DAC says "laughable competition" for appointments means the time has come for direct entry at the top. - Why we must do more to intervene early with women at the point of arrest
Opportunities exist to prevent women being drawn into the criminal justice system, the Prison Reform Trust says
February 2017 (4)
- Cressida Dick named as new Met Commissioner
Mayor of London hails distinguished career of first female boss of force - Head of Humberside Police agrees 'to make way for new chief'
PCC had warned that Justine Curran's job was not safe - Chief will release officers from 'tick box mentality'
Northumbria Chief Constable Steve Ashman wants to scrap some of the bureaucracy that comes with the job. - Chief wants officers to be leaders as he opens the door for promotion
Northumbria Chief says he recognises the benefits of moving forces and taking advantage of the opportunities on offer
December 2016 (3)
- Officer numbers will fall further as budgets frozen next year
Met identifies massive shortfall as Home Office says it's up to council taxpayers to keep funding up - Policing degrees and formal qualifications given green light
College board approved the plans following a consultation – but implementation may be some time away - Forces trying to recruit outside leaders without identifying own talent
Inspectorate finds direct entry schemes being sought by South Yorkshire and Humberside, who do not have good enough processes for picking out internal talent
November 2016 (4)
- Anti-terrorism police patrol units to be introduced across capital
Metropolitan Police says move is 'not in response to a specific threat' - Home Office will accept non-UK applications for Met Commissioner job
The advertisement for the role was published today with the deadline set for early next year. - Temporary chief confirmed as head of force after two years in post
CC Dee Collins appointed substantive boss of constabulary she has led since June 2014 - Chief officers must have previous UK experience, former commissioners warn
Lord Blair and Lord Condon put forward amendment to Policing and Crime Bill
September 2016 (4)
- Mayors have not played politics with policing, says retiring Met Commissioner
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, who announced his retirement unexpectedly, claims no politician has acted in a partisan manner - Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe to retire
Met Commissioner was appointed in September 2011 - Police TV documentaries: Good, bad or risky?
As the second series of a show following the development of probationers draws to a close, Ian Weinfass takes a look at potential impacts of being featured on prime time as part of the job - Chief super in vulnerability training call for officers
President of the Chief Superintendents Association of England and Wales says officers should have a public protection licence
August 2016 (4)
- Time and cost of qualification leading to detective shortages, rep says
Thames Valley Fed blames accreditation changes for a shortfall of investigators - North Wales deputy PCC appointment blocked by panel
Inspector turned PCC Arfon Jones had already announced the news on his website - Former Navy officer appointed new HM Inspector
Matthew Parr joins the inspectorate after more than 30 years in the Royal Navy
June 2016 (5)
- Investment outside criminal justice system 'vital' to improving police custody
Chairman of IPCC warns of lack of alternative provision and resources - College of Policing to accredit undercover police units
APP for undercover personnel has been made public for the first time - Temporary chief to be given permanent role
Cleveland PCC has recommended T/CC Iain Spittal be given the job - Chief constable announces retirement
Herts chief will step down later this year - Police degrees: Work on apprenticeships has begun, as Met volunteers to pilot programme
Force supports degree option for all new recruits
May 2016 (3)
March 2016 (3)
- Forces owe officers more than 1,000 years of rest days
Top of the table is the Met which owes its officers 176,969 days, or 485 years. - Thinking about leaving the force?
We want to know how you feel about the job and your plans for the future. - Force wastes £26,000 after miscalculating compensation
Problem following legal ruling is latest in long list of mistakes which has seen officers paid incorrectly
February 2016 (3)
- MoD Police personnel working excessive overtime, report warned
Officers protecting sites including Trident nuclear missile sub base did 'huge amounts of overtime working' to ensure security - Police staff jobs at risk as force reduces cost of outsourcing contract
Force says changing financial climate means workforce numbers need to be reduced - Policing degrees a step closer to fruition as consultation launched
Three academic routes into the job outlined by College amid acknowledgement transferring costs will save public money
January 2016 (3)
- Movers and Shakers: January 2016
There have been many recent appointments in policing. Here PoliceOracle.com rounds up a selection of them - Firefighters cautious about Home Office's collaboration plans
But Fire Brigades Union representative says service is 'not grieving' about it being joined with policing at ministerial level - Most chief constables were the only candidate for job last year
Questions raised over influence of PCCs on process
December 2015 (3)
- Met 'won't scrap PCSOs' despite disappointment over capital city funding
Chancellor's decision to protect the budget means plans to get rid of all PCSOs are no longer being considered - Region's tri-responders will provide 'quality service' to community
Innovative roles will represent 'step change' in way community safety is delivered. - 'Cautiously optimistic' chief considering introducing voluntary exit scheme
Experienced police leader spoke to Ian Weinfass about the cuts reprieve, unfair funding formula and the folly of compulsory severance
November 2015 (3)
- 'CSI effect' pulls students to forensic career talk
Nearly 1,500 students told about the reality of working in police forensics. - Angling inspector now out to catch fish poachers
That is people who steal fish - not those who boil them in milk - PM accused of misleading public on officer figures
Labour candidate tells David Cameron: 'I'm afraid I simply do not recognise your figures'
October 2015 (3)
- Are you promotion ready?
DCI Ben Ewart outlines common problems faced by officers during stage three of the new promotion process and how bselected Police Promotion Success can help. - 'Money issue' hampers strive for BME representation
Janet Hills from the NBPA says a stalemate in recruitment and chief constables not being held to account is halting progress. - Video: Policing is still a great career option
Commander Chris Greany talks about how the role of a police officer has changed
September 2015 (2)
July 2015 (11)
- Retired police officers are a 'very desirable commodity'
Retired officer Mark Holdgate says there should be an onus on the police service to provide coaching and mentoring to officers about to retire - Outsourcing hundreds of Met staff jobs to be signed-off next week
Case for new partnership has been passed on to London Mayor's office for approval - Cybercrime forum brought agencies and businesses together
Forum hosted by Police Oracle's parent company, Red Snapper Group - Market leading criminal justice staffing business merges with cyber security company
Merger is a 'strategic response to meet recruitment needs of both law enforcement and commercial sectors in terms of cyber-crime investigations' - Forces will cut control rooms from three to two
Move will save £4m a year after chief constables and police and crime commissioners agreed deal which sees further collaboration - Royal opens £38 million police training centre
The Wakefield site boasts facilities for real life public order, driving and firearms training - Rise in officers off with mental health problems
National picture of extent of stress, depression and similar conditions revealed - PCC calls on the public's help to find new chief
It is believed that no other force has involved the public in the selection process before - Force launches recruitment drive to deal with major crime
Surrey Police highlights demand of dealing with major crimes including child sex exploitation - Brave PCs praised after they tackled 'extremely violent' knife-thrower
'These officers displayed immense bravery,' says borough commander after pair injured in incident - Government: Arrangements are no threat to HMIC's independence
Ministers reject calls from select committee to change method of appointment for HM chief inspectors
