The two new orders will replace existing powers and the threshold for risk will be lowered to cover any case of sexual harm, not just cases of serious sexual harm

The President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Sir Hugh Orde, has led tributes to Chief Constable Ian Learmonth, who has announced that he will retire in January after 40 years’ service in the police service.

National policing lead on self-defence and restraints, Commander David Martin said:

Witnesses and other vulnerable people whose lives could be at risk will receive enhanced UK-wide protection and support following the announcement of the first UK Protected Persons Service

A joint report by charities and academics found that people with mental health issues were more likely to be victims of crime

ACPO's national policing lead on drug-related crime, Chief Constable Andy Bliss, has stated the Association's position on the decriminalisation of drugs.

Police chiefs to highlight impact of excessive drinking

Around 40 searches have taken place as part of a national operation into high-value museum thefts. Hundreds of officers from 26 police forces and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) are involved in the operation and searches are ongoing at various locations

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners have announced that former military chief General Sir Nick Parker KCB, CBE is to lead independent review of ACPO

The Home Office statistics on the police use of Taser for the period 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2011 show there are now 14,700 Taser trained officers in England and Wales, equating to approximately 11 per cent of police officers

A report by drugs campaigning organisation Release suggests that there are disparities in the criminal justice system and decriminalisation of drug possession is an effective policy solution