Safeguarding

Everton Free School Crime Prevention Initiatives

Stephen Baker, the principal of Everton Free School and Football College, and Assistant Head Andrew Pearl, are pioneering new strategies to address behavioural challenges and criminal exploitation among vulnerable youth in Liverpool. Their innovative approach integrates multi-agency collaboration and focuses on understanding and meeting the underlying needs of at-risk students.

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The Road to Online Safety Regulation: Safeguarding Children Against Sexual Harms

A significant number of children aged 8-11 have social media profiles, with TikTok being especially popular. The study found that even younger children, some as young as three, are exposed to social media content, although this may involve watching videos with others rather than having their own accounts. This article covers some the negative impacts of this uptake including grooming and misogyny, as well as preventative measures.

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Protecting SMEs from Cybercrime: PCC Collaboration with the NEBRC

We welcomed Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham, at the Digital Policing Conference 2024, who highlighted the pivotal role of collaborative efforts in protecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the growing threat of cybercrime. Her presentation focused on the innovative initiatives undertaken by the Northeast Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC), a key player within the National Cyber Resilience Centre network.

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The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape for UK Police Forces

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for law enforcement agencies worldwide. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, the UK police have significantly enhanced their capabilities to combat cybercrime and ensure the safety of digital infrastructures. Police forces have been dealing with an estimated 7.78 million cybercrimes in the last year (GOV).

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Invisible Children: Barnardo’s Explores the Cost of Living Impact

The cost of living crisis has far-reaching impacts on vulnerable communities, particularly children at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation. Recent research conducted by Barnardo’s, a leading child welfare organisation, delves into the troubling connections between financial hardship and child exploitation. Jess Edwards, the Senior Policy Advisor for Childhood Harm at Barnardo's, recently presented these findings at our National County Lines, Gangs and Violence Conference.

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The NCA’s Central Role in Fighting Cybercrime & Ransomware

Cybercrime has emerged as a Tier One national security threat, with ransomware identified as one of the most significant and pervasive dangers facing nations and organisations alike. The UK has seen a substantial rise in ransomware incidents, with recorded attacks increasing by 55% in 2023, and continuing into 2024. The majority of these attacks have targeted critical sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing, which have become prime targets due to their reliance on essential services​.

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Protecting Young People in Liverpool: Merseyside Police’s Collaborative Approach

Liverpool is the third most dangerous major city in the UK, with the most common crime being violence and sexual offences, with 27,200 offences during 2023 (Crime Rate). We welcomed Detective Superintendent Andy O'Connor of Merseyside Police to share insights from his career at our Tackling Gangs Conference 2024.

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Southport: A Catalyst for Anti-Social Behaviour & Far-Right Riots

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) remains a pressing concern in the United Kingdom, encompassing actions that cause harassment, alarm, or distress. The Southport stabbings and subsequent disorder in July-August of 2024 serve as a critical case study, highlighting the underlying causes, impacts, and responses to ASB.

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Overcrowding in UK Prisons: Misbehaviour & Rehabilitation Initiatives

Overcrowding in UK prisons remains a significant concern in 2024, with the prison population in England and Wales nearing 97,700 inmates (House of Commons Library)​​. This high occupancy rate challenges the maintenance of safety, effective rehabilitation, and prisoner well-being. In July 2024, plans were announced for prisoners to be released early to ease overcrowding. Currently, prisoners are released after 50% of their sentence; this is being reduced to 40% to ease overcrowding.

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Overview of the National County Lines Coordination Centre’s Efforts

Melanie Barr, Head of Analysis, National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), Metropolitan Police, joined us at our National Combatting Gangs, Violence and County Lines Conference 2023. The NCLCC is engaged in comprehensive data collection and analysis related to county lines across the country.

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Forced Marriage & Honour-Based Abuse: An Investigator’s Perspective

Victims of honour-based abuse will experience abuse for at least five years before reporting. Mindy Mahill, a retired Serious and Complex Crime Investigator, led the first forced marriage conviction in England. He shared his insights at our Tackling Honour-based Abuse Conference 2024.

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Enhancing Victim Support: Best Practice at West Mercia Police

Approximately one in six people aged 16 years and over (16.1%) reported experiencing a crime in the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) in the year ending March 2023 (ONS). Matthew Chester, Head of Victim Services at West Mercia Police shared insights on the force's approach at our Victim Services Conference.

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