The APA-ACPO 2010 Conference and International Policing Exhibition, the UK’s largest and most influential policing event, took place last week from 30th June – 1st July at Manchester central.

The event attracted just under 1400 professionals from the policing and security sectors who travelled to Manchester to see and sample the latest technology and services from over 100 leading suppliers and organisations.

The event saw visitors travel from across the UK and even as far as the Cayman Islands and included Chief Police Officers and Police Authority members as well as police staff and representatives from the Home Office, the UK Border Agency, British Transport Police, MOD, National Policing Improvement Agency, ACPO Procurement and those specialising in forensics, crime reduction, training, child protection, community safety, and IT and communications.
¬the APA-ACPO summer conference provided a vital and rare opportunity for chief officers, Government and police authority members to meet¬
At a challenging time for policing, the exhibition provided a key opportunity to source new cost-effective products and services and learn more about the latest developments in the sector. The success of the event was reflected in the comments made by the exhibitors:

Nick Squires from Caplight commented "I worked in health and safety for years, and had more enquiries in 1 1/2 hours on the first day than in decades of health and safety shows, with interest from all over the UK. It's already been a success".

Kathryn Howe, Marketing Manager at Steria commented “We’ve spoken to some good senior contacts and met up with current and new customers”.

Danny Clarke, Development Manager at Synergy said “We’ve had good leads and great initial exposure to the blue light service”.

David Whittaker from Mercato Solutions found the exhibition to be a great networking exercise; “We’ve been working within the police forces and wanted to put faces to names and in this respect the event was very successful”.

Many suppliers used the event as a platform to launch their latest products.

Panasonic successfully premiered their Toughbook CF-19 mobile data solution and announced its installation across 130 terminals for Dyfed Powys Police Authority.

Futronics launched ‘the world’s most advanced data platform’ the ‘F-Box’ a ruggedised mobile computer and XPI Simulation showcased their top-of-the-range driving simulator which has recently been selected by Lincolnshire Life Skills Academy to supplement its emergency services driving courses.

ABEL Technology launched their new AVET Range of digital interview recording and transcription products.

Once again, the educational seminar programme offered valuable free training and advice for operational staff and stimulated debate about key issues within the sector. Topics included the ISIS Delivery Plan, Sustainable social media, the OGC Gateway Process and a full morning of seminars on the NPIA Forensics21 Programme aimed at transforming the delivery of forensics for the 21st Century. Thursday afternoon’s Police Procurement North-West Portal seminar from Helen Elliott of Cheshire Police was particularly well attended and provided a crucial lead for anyone involved in police procurement.

Following its success at last year’s event, the live demonstration zone in the exhibition hall featured training sessions in hand-to-hand combat from Greater Manchester Police and demonstrations of the latest in police cycling procedures from the Public Safety Cycling Organisation.

Running alongside the exhibition was the National Policing Conference for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Association of Police Authorities (APA) in association with the Home Office.

Paul Murphy, Chair of Greater Manchester Police Authority, gave the welcome address followed by an opening address from Sir Hugh Orde, President of ACPO and Rob Garnham, Chair of the APA.

Keynote speakers included Theresa May, Home Secretary and Nick Herbert, Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice. Over 350 delegates gathered for the full 3-day conference programme, which covered a range of important topical issues including economic and financial restrictions, public order, surveillance, serious and organised crime, protecting the public and planning for the 2012 Olympics.

ACPO president Sir Hugh Orde commented on the conference “At a challenging time for policing, the APA-ACPO summer conference provided a vital and rare opportunity for chief officers, Government and police authority members to meet, discuss and debate how best to keep people safe. The significance of the event was underlined by the fact that the Home Secretary delivered the keynote address and the Policing Minister attended on all three days. The issues discussed were among those most critical to the delivery of professional policing and public safety and we look forward to translating words into action over the months ahead.”

APA Chairman Rob Garnham said "This year’s event was as essential as ever, probably even more so, given the challenging times we live in. Through APA-ACPO, police authorities and forces had a valuable opportunity to debate key issues such as finance and accountability, which will no doubt affect policing and the communities we serve for many months and years to come. Without this opportunity it would have been impossible for the service to move forward in the way that it has by encouraging discussion and ultimately an understanding of other points of view so that we can work together to improve the police service for the benefit of the public whilst achieving value for money. I would also like to thank our private sector partners who contributed to the conference and exhibition. I am confident that their experience in the sector will continue to enable us to meet the financial challenges ahead.”