Police training enters new age

16 May 2017

Sector-leading work premiered at National Police Federation annual conference

An insightful new film shows how the development of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) policing and forensics science courses are taking a lead in complementing, reinforcing, and improving best practice in police forces at home and abroad.

Sector-leading work has been highlighted in a powerful and imaginative new programme, premiered at this year’s National Police Federation annual conference.

Produced by ITN Productions* and introduced by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, the programme features key industry interviews and news-style reports that showcase the activities and facilities relating to the University’s policing and forensic science courses.

The programme went live on the Police Federation website on Tuesday, 16 May to coincide with day one of the national conference** attended by key representatives from the 43 forces throughout England and Wales, as well as from Scotland, Northern Ireland and overseas. 

"We already have very healthy relationships with the College of Policing and a number of forces but this new film helps to showcase all that is good about our world-class facilities and teaching techniques."

Also attending is Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, as well as the Policing Minister Brandon Lewis along with representatives from other political parties.

Clive Tattum, UCLan’s Principal Lecturer and Academic Lead for Policing, is featured in the film and commented: “Here at the University we are taking a national lead in reinforcing the scientific, evidence-based approach that is central to so much policing.

“We already have very healthy relationships with the College of Policing and a number of forces but this new film helps to showcase all that is good about our world-class facilities and teaching techniques.  Also highlighted is our recent Forensic Science Strategic Alliance*** with Lancashire Constabulary – a ground-breaking venture providing significant opportunities for both organisations and those working and studying within them.”

Dr Carol Cox, Acting Head for the School of Forensic & Applied Sciences, added: “This new programme will really help to showcase our work among police forces located at home and abroad."

"We are determined to be world leaders, providing the best and most comprehensive study programmes in policing and as this programme demonstrates we are well on the way to achieving that aim."

“With a clear focus on the student experience we continue to expand our teaching and research capability in a number of specialist areas, predicting what and how the Police Service, and potentially other public services, will look and operate like in years to come.

“We are determined to be world leaders, providing the best and most comprehensive study programmes in policing and as this programme demonstrates we are well on the way to achieving that aim.”

*ITN Productions is ITN’s bespoke production hub

**As a pivotal event in the policing calendar, the event shares best practice and debates issues affecting policing. This year’s theme: ‘Protecting the Protectors’ focuses on the wide-ranging protection and support issues that officers currently face.

***Under the new Alliance, the Lancashire Constabulary will open its doors to the University which will benefit from shared expertise of crime scene investigators and forensic science specialists teaching students everything from fingerprint, drug and body fluid analysis through to professional accreditation and laboratory competence.

In return, the University will support the Academy with new equipment, research and additional resources throughout the department to enhance how Lancashire Constabulary detects crime and protects the most vulnerable people of Lancashire.