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UK’s top coppers swoop on BT Convention Centre

02 July

The UK’s most senior police officers and police authorities headed for Liverpool last week, as the BT Convention Centre hosted the annual ACPO-APA summer conference.

Hosted by ACPO president Ken Jones and APA chair Bob Jones, the event attracted chief constables and chairs from the 44 police forces and authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in what was described as the most important policing event in the UK.

The conference ran for three days and included a major international exhibition of security and police-related products such as state-of-the-art surveillance vehicles, forensics, new technologies and body armour. Among those addressing the conference was the home secretary, Jacqui Smith MP.

‘This is a high-profile and prestigious event, and we’re delighted to be welcoming those involved to the BT Convention Centre in our first year,’ commented Jacquie Rogers, the centre’s general manager. ‘It is a great example of an event which has been attracted to the city because of our superb facilities and the increasing recognition Liverpool is gaining as a centre of excellence.’

Speaking before the event, ACPO president Ken Jones said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that this year’s conference is being held in Liverpool during its year as European Capital of Culture. This is our most important annual gathering of members and policing decision-makers, and Liverpool provides a fitting setting for the debate about the future of the police service in 2008.’

Event organiser Lucy McPhail added: ‘We are very excited about coming to Liverpool. ACC Liverpool is a fantastic venue which allows us to accommodate 150 exhibitors right next to state-of-the-art conference facilities. This event invariably attracts interest from the national media, so it’s a great profile-builder for both the BT Convention Centre and Liverpool itself.’

Pictured:

Merseyside chief constable Bernard Hogan Howe with a mounted officer outside the BT Convention Centre