Chief police officers are often shadowy enigmas, even to members of their own forces, yet they make far-reaching strategic command decisions about policing, armed responses, operations against criminals and allocation of resources. What is their background? Where do they come from? How are chief officers selected? What do they think of those who hold them to account? Where do they stand on direct entry at different levels and what do they think of a National Police Force? Bryn Caless has had privileged access to this occupational elite and presents their frank and sometimes controversial views in this ground-breaking social study, which will fascinate serving officers, students of the police, academic commentators, journalists and social scientists, as well as concerned citizens who want to understand those who command our police forces.

Little is known about those at the command end of policing in Europe. Over the last two years, Bryn Caless and Steve Tong have had unique access to those at the top of Europe's police forces, obtaining detailed comments from more than a hundred strategic police leaders in 22 countries and presenting, for the first time, information about how they are selected for high office, how they are held to account and what their views are on current and future challenges in policing. Building on research conducted in the UK, this is a timely and unparalleled insight into a little-known elite in the law-enforcement world.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected representatives whose role is to ensure that police forces in England and Wales are running effectively. Intended to bring a public voice to policing and hold the police to account, the holders of this controversial role also control budgets and strategic planning. Bryn Caless and Jane Owens obtained unprecedented access to the PCCs and their chief police officer teams and undertook confidential interviews with both sides. The results reveal the innermost workings of the PCCs' relationships with the police, media, partners and public. The authors analyse the election process (in which PCCs polled the lowest local mandate ever) and consider the future of this politically-contested role. Examining the PCCs' impact on policing, this fascinating book makes essential reading for Police Crime Commissioners, chief officers, police officers, police trainers and academics, students and researchers in criminology and policing.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected representatives whose role is to ensure that police forces in England and Wales are running effectively. Intended to bring a public voice to policing and hold the police to account, the holders of this controversial role also control budgets and strategic planning. Bryn Caless and Jane Owens obtained unprecedented access to the PCCs and their chief police officer teams and undertook confidential interviews with both sides. The results reveal the innermost workings of the PCCs' relationships with the police, media, partners and public. The authors analyse the election process (in which PCCs polled the lowest local mandate ever) and consider the future of this politically-contested role. Examining the PCCs' impact on policing, this fascinating book makes essential reading for Police Crime Commissioners, chief officers, police officers, police trainers and academics, students and researchers in criminology and policing.

Little is known about those at the command end of policing in Europe. Over the last two years, Bryn Caless and Steve Tong have had unique access to those at the top of Europe's police forces, obtaining detailed comments from more than a hundred strategic police leaders in 22 countries and presenting, for the first time, information about how they are selected for high office, how they are held to account and what their views are on current and future challenges in policing. Building on research conducted in the UK, this is a timely and unparalleled insight into a little-known elite in the law-enforcement world.

Chief police officers are often shadowy enigmas, even to members of their own forces, yet they make far-reaching strategic command decisions about policing, armed responses, operations against criminals and allocation of resources. What is their background? Where do they come from? How are chief officers selected? What do they think of those who hold them to account? Where do they stand on direct entry at different levels and what do they think of a National Police Force? Bryn Caless has had privileged access to this occupational elite and presents their frank and sometimes controversial views in this ground-breaking social study, which will fascinate serving officers, students of the police, academic commentators, journalists and social scientists, as well as concerned citizens who want to understand those who command our police forces.

Blackstone's Policing for the PCSO is the third edition of the bestselling Blackstone's PCSO Handbook, representing the changing needs of this unique group within the police service. Providing up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the role and functions of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), this revised format offers a more effective and practical resource covering all the elements of PCSO training nationally. With clear explanations of powers and procedures, the third edition has been updated to reflect the evolution of the PCSO's role within the police family since its inception over 10 years ago. It includes all the information that you will need in your PCSO career: from application, interview, and admission checks, through to joining a police force, embarking on training, and working in the field with Community Policing Teams. Featuring updated key National Occupational Standards for PCSOs, it also contains all the required learning outcomes for the wider police learning and development programme and covers areas from crime scenes and gathering evidence, to decision making and community engagement. Throughout, case scenarios, flow charts, and checklists illustrate and clarify key areas of procedure, and knowledge check sections help you improve your understanding and monitor your progress. Additionally, reference and definition boxes provide handy and accessible refreshers about the law and powers available to PCSOs. Written by highly-experienced practitioners alongside recently-appointed Police Community Support Officers, this is the only book a PCSO will need, wherever you are deployed, as well as being an invaluable aid to PCSO trainers and police tutors alike.

Blackstone's Policing for the Special Constable is the second edition of the bestselling Blackstone's Handbook for the Special Constabulary, representing the changing needs of this unique volunteer group within the police service. Drawing on both the 2011 National Strategy for the Special Constabulary and conforming with the IL4SC (Initial Learning for the Special Constabulary), it is designed to be an invaluable learning resource for students and new recruits as well as a useful reference and refresher tool for the experienced Special. Covering each stage of being a Special, from recruitment and initial training to the full range of duties, the authors describe and explain the day-to-day encounters and experiences of being a Special with today's police service. Expert guidance on the law, police powers, and professional standards is given, along with clear operational advice on crime scene management, managing people and incidents, working within Neighbourhood Policing Teams, and dealing with public order situations. Comprehensive and practical, this book is essential reading for anyone joining or thinking of joining the Special Constabulary, especially those on pre-join or policing studies courses. It will also be of interest to Specials trainers and managers, and sergeants and inspectors responsible for Specials.