Global leaders unite to tackle public trust at landmark College of Policing symposium

The College of Policing has brought together international police leaders and experts at a ground-breaking symposium to address the issue of rebuilding trust and confidence with the public. 

The International Policing Symposium “Confidence in Policing – Serving the Public in the Age of Disruption” showcased evidence-based approaches and first-hand experience from world-renowned experts who offered global perspectives.  

Sponsored by Zencity and supported by the Police Foundation, the one-day event which took place at the Southbank Centre in London brought together international leaders, chief constables, police and crime commissioners, policymakers, community advocates and academics. 

Speakers explored what drives public trust in police institutions and discussed policies to enhance accountability and transparency. 

The symposium was facilitated by the College of Policing’s Rachel Tuffin OBE, Interim Director of Centre for Police Productivity, while Chair of the College of Policing Lord Herbert of South Downs welcomed guests to the symposium and hosted a panel session with Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Clare Moody, and Michael Simon, Chief Strategy Officer at Zencity. 

(L-R Lord Herbert of South Downs; Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester; Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset; Michael Simon, Chief Strategy Officer at Zencity) 

The symposium featured prominent speakers including Chicago Police Department leader Larry Snelling, Superintendent of Police, and former New York Chief and now international consultant Terry Monahan, who shared insights from their experiences in major US cities.  

Superintendent Larry Snelling gave insight into Chicago Police Department’s pioneering approach to officer training, which has reduced the number of police-involved shootings by more than 50%. Talking about trust and confidence in policing, he said “If we’re not willing to accept we have a problem, we can’t fix it”.   

Terry Monahan talked about the successful approach to reducing crime and building confidence in New York, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and said: “Neighbourhood policing works if everyone is involved and everyone believes in it.”  

Dr Paul Quinton, Interim Research Lead at the College of Policing, presented an evidence-based guide on improving public confidence in the police. The practical guide highlighted the importance of implementing neighbourhood policing, improving contact with victims and suspects, making fair decisions and treating people respectfully, and adhering to ethical and professional standards. 

Dr Rick Muir, Director of the Police Foundation, presented compelling research on changing attitudes among Generation Z, while Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams of the Metropolitan Police Service demonstrated how local policing remains fundamental to public trust. 

Louisville Metro Police Deputy Chief Emily McKinley's presentation on body-worn camera technology sparked significant discussion about transparency and accountability, while R. Mark Evans, now an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Koi Tū: the Centre for Informed Futures, University of Auckland, brought valuable international perspective from his experience with New Zealand Police and beyond. 

(L-R Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chicago Police Department; Terry Monahan, former New York Police Chief; Emily McKinley, Louisville Metro Police Deputy Chief; R. Mark Evans, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Koi Tū: the Centre for Informed Futures; Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO College of Policing) 

Key themes covered at the conference included: 

• Building trust in global cities 

• Understanding and engaging with Generation Z 

• The impact of technology on public confidence 

• Local policing approaches to building trust 

• Evidence-based strategies for maintaining public confidence 

Rachel Tuffin OBE, Director at the College of Policing and compere, said: “This symposium represents a really important moment in modern policing. By bringing together global policing experts, alongside our own evidence base from research, we've identified practical, effective solutions, starting with how we support officers and staff to deliver in a challenging landscape. 

“Against the backdrop of a challenging and fast-moving digital and media environment, this event highlighted the importance of the College of Policing’s role in sharing practice quickly and creating a police service fit for the present – and the future.  

“If we are to build up public trust and confidence in policing, we need to be innovative. We need to be at the forefront of the latest evidence and research. But we also need to get the basics right. We know that visible neighbourhood policing, for instance, is one of the vital foundations of maintaining trust. We need to strike the right balance and today has shown how we can do that more effectively. The insights shared will help shape the future of policing for the better.”  

ENDS