Our conference involved more than 1,000 delegates form over 30 countries including senior police leaders, academics, industry partners and NGOs. Key themes for policing are reducing trust and confidence in the following areas driven by changing context, public priorities and accountability networks. They include specifically:

1. Police response to Violence Against Women and Girls – Domestic and intrafamilial violence, child abuse and exploitation, rape and serious sexual assaults.
2. Changes in technology, specifically digital technologies but also encompassing physical forensics which are requiring new skills to utilise and adding costs.
3. New forms of public protest – exacerbated by greater accountability form digital recording devices etc.

Within these three broad categories we identified several key issues for police education.

1. Increased Adoption of Predictive Policing: The use of predictive analytics and algorithms to identify crime patterns and allocate resources efficiently is expected to become more widespread. Law enforcement agencies may further refine and enhance their predictive policing capabilities, leveraging advancements in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
2. Emphasis on Data-Driven Decision Making: Policing strategies and resource allocation will increasingly rely on data-driven insights. Agencies will invest in robust data collection and analysis systems to enhance situational awareness, identify emerging trends, and measure the effectiveness of crime prevention initiatives.
3. Enhanced Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Investigation: As cybercrime continues to rise, law enforcement agencies will focus on strengthening their digital forensics capabilities to investigate and prosecute cybercriminals effectively. This includes advancements in forensic tools, techniques, and collaboration with cybersecurity experts.
4. Integration of Surveillance Technologies: Policing agencies may expand their use of surveillance technologies such as CCTV cameras, facial recognition systems, and license plate recognition. Striking a balance between public safety and privacy concerns will be a significant challenge, necessitating appropriate legal and ethical frameworks.
5. Collaborative Partnerships with Technology Companies: Law enforcement agencies are likely to establish closer partnerships with technology companies to develop customized solutions, leverage expertise, and share data for crime prevention. Collaborations could involve areas such as AI, big data analytics, and video analytics.
6. Emphasis on Community Policing and Trust Building: Efforts to build and maintain community trust will remain a priority. Police agencies will increasingly focus on community engagement, establishing positive relationships, and promoting transparency in their operations. Technology may be used to facilitate community involvement in crime prevention efforts.
7. Continued Focus on Officer Training and Digital Skills: Training programs for police officers will evolve to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge in digital technologies, cybersecurity, data analysis, and predictive policing. Continuous professional development will be vital to ensure officers stay updated with emerging trends.
8. Ethical Use of Technologies and Accountability: Law enforcement agencies will place increased emphasis on the ethical use of emerging technologies, addressing concerns such as bias, privacy, and potential misuse. Clear policies, guidelines, and accountability mechanisms will be essential to maintain public trust and prevent abuses.
9. Enhanced Emergency Response Capabilities: Policing agencies may explore technologies such as real-time crime mapping, AI-assisted dispatch systems, and improved communication tools to enhance emergency response capabilities. Integration with other emergency services and leveraging smart city infrastructure may also be a focus.
10. Addressing Social and Community Challenges: Policing agencies will likely continue to address societal challenges beyond traditional law enforcement, such as mental health crises, domestic violence, and social inequalities. Collaborative partnerships with social service organizations and proactive community engagement will be vital in this regard.

Our conference this year will be taking these issues further. Click here for details of our 2023 conference.