Common Understanding, Common Threat, Common Response. Held at the Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool

Bringing together leading experts from across Europe, this conference set out to build links and capacity and discuss the development of police forces and techniques in tackling money laundering, gun crime, human trafficking and counterfeiting. It explored relevant policy, both from the UK and multilaterally, and examined the need for cross-border cooperation and information sharing, in addition to showcasing best practice case studies demonstrating the successes of partnership approaches. The conference provided an opportunity for delegates at all levels of knowledge of approaches to tackling serious and organised crime to learn how to apply and implement new procedures and cultures to achieve real change in attitudes and behaviour. Listen to Sir Ian Blair, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, put forward his case that "...law enforcement has not kept pace with economic and social developments in Europe in the past two decades". He invites delegates to imagine the benefits of extending the DNA offenders' database, the crime scene database and fingerprint recognition Europe-wide. If that were to happen, said Sir Ian, then "...suddenly we're starting to move against organised crime in a way that 21st century Europe suggests". Other speakers included: The Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith MP, Home Secretary; Bill Hughes, Director General of SOCA; and Max-Peter Ratzel, Director of Europol.