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, this controversial role also controls budgets and strategic planning. Drawing on unprecedented access to PCCs and their chief officer teams, Bryn Caless and Jane Owens performed confidential interviews with both sides and reveal in this book the innermost workings of PCCs’ relationships with the police, media, partners, and the public. The authors also analyze the election process (in which some PCCs have been elected by the lowest voter turnout ever in the United Kingdom) and consider the future of this politically contested role. Amid ongoing international debates over police accountability, this fascinating look at the impact of PCCs on policing will be essential reading for PCCs themselves, chief officers, police officers, and police trainers, as well as academics, students, and researchers in criminology and policing.

Product Description:  Based on confidential interviews with a large number of chief police officers, Policing at the Top presents a revealing analysis of these important figures in British society. Bryan Caless provides a cross-section of this often neglected occupation as well as a broad introduction to the process of becoming a senior police officer and the expectations, pitfalls, and challenges of leadership...read more

Product Description: A must-have for all student police officers and their trainers, the fifth edition of this book ensures student police officers have the knowledge and understanding necessary to undertake independent patrol in a professional and competent manner...read more

Product Description: Blackstone's Handbook for the Special Constabulary is a timely and comprehensive guide to the role and work of this unique group within the UK police force. Drawing on the new National Strategy for the Special Constabulary, it provides an invaluable, practical resource for all Special Constables, from new recruits to seasoned officers or even those who simply want to find out more about the role...read more

Product Description: This new edition of the successful Blackstone's PCSO Handbook provides up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the role and functions of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). PCSOs support regular police officers and work within a targeted patrol area to provide a visible and accessible uniformed presence...read more

Product Description: This brand new publication provides the first guide to the role and functions of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).