Police are working with the CPS and the Forensic Science Regulator to respond to the issue

Following the Governments pledge of £40 million in measures to protect children and young people from sexual abuse, Chief Constable Simon Bailey highlights the importance of funding in safeguarding the vulnerable.

Informants often provide timely and essential intelligence which cannot always be obtained by other means. This tactic can lead to very serious crimes being prevented including, murders, child sexual exploitation, and terrorism.

Over 800 potentially lethal weapons have been seized and 282 suspects arrested during a month-long operation aimed at preventing criminals and terrorists gaining access to illegal firearms.

Research by the charity Barnardo's has highlighted increases in recorded cases of children committing sexual offences against other children in England and Wales between 2013 and 2016.

As our January meeting of all chief constables was at the Police Federation headquarters, it was fitting that investment in our staff and culture was at the forefront of our focus. 

Our world has gone digital.  Smartphones are everywhere and have overtaken computers as the most popular way we access the internet. The world has changed, and 93% of adults in the UK now own a mobile phone compared with 36% in 2000. 

36 forces took part in the campaign in November stopping 10,012 vehicles and detecting nearly 8,000 mobile phone offences, the highest ever total for a week of enforcement on distraction driving.

The Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW) shows that levels of crime have remained stable at 6.7 million offences for the year ending September 2016. However, the inclusion of fraud and computer misuse incidents has led to a further 5.6 million offences being recorded.

Police chiefs have developed a set of nationally consistent principles to complement existing legislation and guidance and help forces ensure that they are using custody in a way that is legitimate, effective and efficient.

The forensic regulators annual report highlights key priority areas for policing to meet in order to continue to enhance our response and prevent quality failures.