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Secretary and former Policing Minister shared how he sat down with the current Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, during the transition to deliver a handover. “I emphasised the need to try and get as much money as possible to the frontline,” he said. “This year there is £922m extra in comparison to last year and I hope the new Government can match that new increase for the next financial year.” Support for our #SimplifyDG6


less safe,” he emphasised, adding that the initial lack of response from police leadership necessitated public-facing actions from figures like himself and Acting National Chair, Tiff Lynch. Looking to the future, Brian expressed the need for strategic changes, stating: “There’s an ongoing review, and we will be working with the government on that.”


POLICING AND THE MEDIA “There isn’t an anti-policing agenda in the mainstream media”, former BBC Home Affairs correspondent and policing commentator, Danny Shaw told delegates. He continued: “But you [police] do need to understand that journalists aren’t there to do your PR work for you.” The live discussion benefited from the contributions of Daily Mail Crime and Security Editor and Chair of the Crime Reporters’ Association, Rebecca Camber, NPCC Head of Media and Public Affairs, Alan Wood, and Head of Digital Practice at Portland Communications, Asad Moghal, as they joined Mr Shaw. The panel discussed many high- profile cases and the importance of the relationship between the media and the police. Of ever-increasing importance, the panel also considered the role of social media, both positive and negative with particular concerns around misinformation and so-called ‘fake news’. The issue of the NX121 trial was raised


around specifically why a number of media outlets had pushed for the officer to be named ahead of the trial following the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba. The panel also discussed the


importance of ‘non-reportable briefings’ and the role they play in keeping the


18 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2024


media up-to-date with investigations whilst protecting the integrity of the work and investigation being conducted. Failures to keep the media well briefed


can make investigations harder as errors or misinformation can inadvertently be presented to the public in journalistic reports. Far more concerning, the panel also


considered the dangers of malicious social media usage in spreading blatantly false information.


campaign was also shown, which seeks to facilitate the free flow of personal data between the police and the CPS at the pre-charge stage, freeing up thousands of hours. This would be possible if the Data Protection Act were to be amended. When queried about if he regrets the


“There isn’t an anti-policing agenda in the mainstream media. But


you [police] do need to understand that journalists aren’t there to do your PR work for you.”


Admittedly it’s not something that media professionals have much control over, however the panel were all in agreement in stating that it does highlight the importance of positive and productive media relations between the police forces and accredited media outlets.


SHADOW HOME SECRETARY SHARES VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF POLICING The Rt. Hon Chris Philp, Shadow Home


action taken by the previous Conservative government on the Winsor Review and austerity measures, resulting in a pay cut for rank-and-file police officers, along with changes to pensions, he stated the country inherited in 2010 was “bankrupt” and cited the 7 per cent pay increase along with increased contributions made by the Government into the police pension pot. He also said he is committed to addressing the erosion of pay and ensuring officer receive the compensation for the challenges and dangers faced daily.


POLICE PAY AND CONDITIONS: A SYSTEM UNDER STRAIN


Acting Deputy National Secretary John Partington highlighted the current pay system is not fair, and police pay has failed to keep up with the increased costs officers face. Over the past two years, police officers received pay raises of 7 per cent in 2023 and 4.75 per cent this year. Yet, when inflation rates between 3-4 per cent are factored in, the increase equates to a modest 5 per cent rise—against a


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