Supers Promise Lively Conference

Thu, 02 September 2010 Courtesy of: Police Oracle

A controversial government consultation paper is set to be the key talking point as the superintending ranks converge on their annual conference next week.

Ch Supt Irene Curtis, Vice-President of the Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales, said there are key concerns over the Policing in the 21st Century blueprint – and expects them to be fully aired at the annual event is taking place at the Carden Park Hotel, near Chester from September 13-15.

It is hoped that members of the political establishment – including Home Secretary Theresa May and Policing and Justice Minister Nick Herbert – will be among those speaking at the conference, which is expected to attract 200 delegates.

“The superintending ranks are in a fairly unique position within the hierarchy – while we are senior officers we are engaged in operational policing”

Ch Supt Curtis added: "We agree with a number of issues in the document but we are concerned about others – we particularly expect the issues surrounding directly elected police and crime commissioners to be a talking point at the event.

"We are now in the process of putting together a response for the Home Office."

Ch Supt Curtis said the conference promised to provoke interesting debate. She added: "Not only do we have a new government with some radical proposals but there are significant financial pressures facing the country.

"The superintending ranks are in a fairly unique position within the hierarchy – while we are senior officers we are engaged in operational policing."

Ch Supt Curtis concluded "At our conference we will be joined by colleagues from Northern Ireland and Scotland –attending as guests – and representatives from the Police Federation."