Leading through Challenging Times, the Association of Police Authorities Annual Conference 2009, encourages delegates to participate in a wide range of innovative and thought-provoking activities designed to shape the future of policing.

A continuing emphasis on driving forward improvements in public confidence in the police, combined with a range of significant external pressures, will ensure that police professionals have the opportunity to make the most of productive relationships with their policing partners, and debate a wide range of issues that will make a real difference to the future of policing.

Once again an influential audience of key policing leaders, decision and policy makers will be considering, debating and presenting on latest policing issues.

The conference will cover a wide range of areas including sessions on:

• The Policing and Crime Bill
• Counter-terrorism and local accountability
• Realising effective partnerships
• Police authority Improvement
• 2012 Olympics and the impact on local policing

Confirmed speakers to date:

• The Right Hon. David Hanson MP, Minister of State for Crime and Policing
• Lord Alex Carlisle, the Government’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
• Cllr. Margaret Eaton, Chair of the Local Government Association
• Sir Hugh Orde - ACPO President
• Denis O'Connor - HMCIC

In addition to the main conference sessions, delegates will have the opportunity to take part in series of seminars and discussions on key policing issues. Delegates will also be able to view showcases of police authority good practice before the winners of the APA Recognising Excellence Awards 2009 are announced during the final conference dinner.

Recognising Excellence Awards

This changed in 2008 with the launch of the inaugural APA Recognising Excellence Awards.

The awards highlight the unique contribution of police authorities in policing. 2009 winners will be announced at the final conference dinner on 26 November.

Click on the 'Awards' tab for further information and details of how to nominate.