September’s council meeting took place online this year, but that didn’t stop the ideas from flowing. The discussion was full of energy, focused on how science, technology, and research continue to reshape policing in the UK - not just in theory, but in practice. From professional development to cutting-edge innovation, the session captured a shared ambition: to build a smarter, more connected, and future-ready policing system.

Building a Science & Technology Profession in Policing

One of the most exciting conversations centred on establishing a formal science and technology (S&T) profession within policing - a recognition of how deeply technical expertise now runs through every aspect of the service.

Plans are already forming around a national academy for policing S&T, which could provide accredited learning, career pathways, and a real sense of professional identity for those driving innovation behind the scenes. Whether it ends up being a physical space, a virtual hub, or a hybrid of both, the goal is the same: to connect and support people with the skills that will define the future of policing.

There’s also growing interest in how training budgets can be used more strategically, ensuring investment aligns with the skills forces will need in the years ahead. And it’s not just about staff, the discussion explored how to better support volunteers and Special Constables with technical expertise, creating a framework that allows them to make a lasting contribution.

Finally, members reflected on how to inspire the next generation, by going beyond fast-car demos and showing young people the incredible opportunities within policing for digital investigators, data scientists, and AI specialists.

The energy in the (virtual) room made one thing clear: this is a genuine opportunity to futureproof policing by empowering the people who make innovation happen every day.

P-ACEs: Bridging Research and Real-World Policing

Another highlight was the progress of the Policing Academic Centres of Excellence (P-ACEs), nine university-led hubs designed to bring research and practice closer together. Each centre will co-create projects directly with policing partners, ensuring that research is not just about policing, but done with policing. To make connections easier, a new expertise finder tool is launching on science.police.uk, helping people quickly find the right researchers or projects for their needs.

P-ACEs will also share insights and events through the Knowledge Hub, creating one central place for collaboration and impact. A P-ACE Management Group, bringing together representatives from academia, the College of Policing, the Home Office, and UKRI, has already started work to ensure this network stays strategic and connected.

The official launch in Birmingham on 4 November will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for evidence-based policing. Plans are even underway for PhD placements within forces - a great step toward embedding research where it’s needed most.

Driving Change and Anticipating What’s Next

Members also shared a range of projects tackling real-world policing challenges with creativity and ambition:

• Boosting productivity through science and technology, with new Home Office Science Advisory Council (HOSAC) projects exploring how innovation can deliver real frontline value.
• The Policing Problem Book, a new digital tool capturing more than 200 operational challenges across forces, helping researchers and practitioners focus their efforts where they can make the biggest impact.
• Reflections on future priorities for 2025, emphasising the need to balance technology with the human side of policing.
• A call to remain proactive around emerging risks, ensuring that innovation always goes hand in hand with foresight.

Looking Ahead

Across every discussion, one theme stood out: collaboration. Whether it’s building professional pathways, connecting research with practice, or testing the latest technologies, progress in policing is powered by people working together.