Association of Police Communicators

The Association of Police Communicators, commonly known as APComm, is a professional membership organisation dedicated to the field of police communications. Founded in 2010, APComm serves as the successor to the Association of Police Public Relations Officers, evolving to meet the changing needs of modern policing communications. The organisation provides a structured network and resource hub for the hundreds of professional police staff who work in specialist media and corporate communications roles across the UK's police service.

Services and Professional Support

APComm offers a range of services centred on professional development, peer support, and knowledge sharing. Members gain access to a network of like-minded communications professionals who are striving to improve public understanding of modern policing. The organisation facilitates collaborative working between police forces, helping to bridge funding gaps caused by expected communications budget cuts. Key services include professional development events, sharing of best practices and resources, and providing a platform for good ideas that can be replicated across different forces. The Association of Police Communicators also acts as the collective voice for communicators within the police service, promoting cost-effective communications that deliver value for money.

• Professional development events and training
• Peer support and networking opportunities
• Best practice sharing and resource collaboration
• Advocacy and representation for police communicators
• Knowledge exchange on modern policing communications
• Support for budget-efficient communications strategies

Membership and Impact

The primary audience for the Association of Police Communicators is the professional police staff working in media and corporate communications roles within UK police forces. This includes press officers, digital communicators, internal communications specialists, and strategic communications leads. APComm helps these professionals access police services more effectively by improving public knowledge and understanding of policing. The organisation's membership provides a vital support system, enabling communicators to share know-how and resources, thereby increasing collaborative working between forces. This is particularly important given the financial pressures on police communications budgets, as APComm promotes innovative, cost-effective solutions that can be shared across the country.

Approach and Credentials

APComm's approach is rooted in collaboration, peer support, and professional development. The organisation was established to replace the former Association of Police Public Relations Officers, reflecting a shift towards more integrated and strategic communications within policing. Based in the United Kingdom, the Association of Police Communicators operates as a national body, bringing together communications professionals from various police forces. The organisation's key functions include providing peer support, developing members' skills and abilities through professional development events, and promoting the sharing of good ideas that are happening across the country. By fostering a community of practice, APComm helps ensure that police communications remain effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of both the public and the police service.

The Association of Police Communicators is a good fit for any professional police staff working in media, corporate communications, or public relations roles within UK police forces. It is particularly valuable for those seeking to expand their professional network, access peer support, and stay updated on best practices in policing communications. The organisation is also well-suited for communications teams looking to collaborate with other forces to achieve cost savings and improve service delivery. For anyone involved in police communications in the United Kingdom, APComm provides a dedicated and practical resource for professional growth and effective public engagement.