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.

The National Police Chiefs' Council has congratulated all those recognised in the New Year Honours list for 2017, including over 30 current and former members of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone. It is something that forces up and down the country are responding to far too frequently. The abuse suffered can take many forms and until last year victims who experienced psychological, emotional or financial abuse were not protected by any specific legislation. 

Six months after the blanket ban on psychoactive substances took effect, the first convictions have been secured and the number of arrests is continuing to rise.

Forces undertook a series of coordinated weeks of action in February, April, June and October 2016 to tackle knife crime under Operation Sceptre. In October, 21 police forces across the country took part in the operation which includes targeting habitual knife carriers, weapon sweeps, test purchases of knives from identified retailers, and use of surrender bins.