ACPO / APA 2009: A return to Manchester for the UK’s biggest policing event

The UK’s biggest and most influential policing exhibition returns to Manchester Central from 8th-9th July 2009.

Following on from the success of the event in Manchester in 2007, the policing exhibition will showcase the latest and most innovative products and services for the police and security sectors in the heart of this cultural city. The event is organised on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities and is free to attend for all police staff, associates and colleagues.

Being held alongside the ACPO / APA Conference - which takes place between the 7th and 9th July - the exhibition will see officials from the most senior levels of policing brought together with industry leaders in identifying and overcoming the challenges that face the police service in the 21st century. Sir Ken Jones, Chief Constable and President of ACPO said:

“Manchester Central promises to offer a fantastic venue for an event in the policing calendar which goes from strength to strength. Alongside the ACPO conference, the International Policing Exhibition is the opportunity for delegates and the most senior leaders of the police service to witness the role for technology as they debate future challenges confronting the police service of today and tomorrow.

“As new threats and opportunities arise in this information-rich modern era, that role becomes ever more vital as the police service keeps pace with criminality. The exhibition brings specialist suppliers from the UK and abroad displaying the latest technology from command and control systems to special operations equipment.”

The exhibition hall will be focused into zones to allow visitors to more easily navigate the full spectrum of products and technology on display. These dedicated areas will showcase specialists in IT & Communications, Security, and Special Operations. Companies and organisations that have already confirmed include: Futronics, Panasonic, Startraq, O2, Cellmark Forensic Services, Hawk Protection, Logica, Police National CBRN Centre, ACPO Procurement and the NPIA (National Policing Improvement Agency), for a full list visit www.acpo-apa.co.uk.

As in previous years, the popular seminar programme will offer free training and career development sessions to all visitors. Taking place within the exhibition, this free knowledge-building programme will feature leading organisations and specialists addressing the most topical issues in policing today. Seminars will include presentations from leading policing organisations including the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) and the opportunity to learn from case studies by exhibitors working on projects with police forces and authorities.

There will also be live demonstration areas including displays of public safety cycling and training on how to use a bicycle in a defensive role. Also, canine drugs search dogs will be used to demonstrate their effective operational capability in the fight against drug misuse over the two days of the show.

Cllr Paul Murphy, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, welcomed the news that the event was returning to Manchester, saying:

“I am delighted that one of the most important and influential events in the policing calendar is coming to Greater Manchester. The conference always attracts a high standard of guests and exhibitors and I look forward to taking advantage of the networking opportunities that brings.

“Events such as this are vital in helping the police service stay up-to-speed with the latest information in a wide range of sectors. This is extremely important if the service is to work together to deliver world-class, ever improving, value for money policing.”

For more information about features, seminars and exhibitors and to pre-register for a FREE visitor badge visit www.acpo-apa.co.uk.