Blackstone's Police Operational Handbook 2026

Blackstone's Police Operational Handbook 2026 is the only book specifically designed for police officers while out on patrol. Covering a wide range of common offences, it clearly explains and interprets the relevant legislation, providing offence definitions, points to prove, and practical considerations. At a glance, you can access everything you need to make a quick, informed decision in a host of everyday policing situations. The nineteenth edition of this highly regarded and successful Handbook is fully updated to include all recent legislative developments and further changes to the law. Whatever your role - police patrol officer, supervisor, student police officer, PCSO, or Special Constable - this is an invaluable tool for operational personnel.

1 - Powers of Arrest
2 - Assaults and Violence
3 - Crime - Dishonesty
4 - Crime - General
5 - Controlled Drugs
6 - Sexual Offences and Assaults
7 - Public Disorder/Nuisance
8 - Firearms, Fireworks, and Weapons
9 - Alcohol and Licensing
10 - Road Traffic
11 - General: Patrol

PNLD has been providing a comprehensive legal database and other legal products and services to the 43 police forces in England and Wales for over 30 years. Over this time, its customer base has expanded to include policing partners and other law enforcement agencies. PNLD's legal database covers all legal information that police officers are required to know, including criminal legislation, case law, offences, and guidance. The PNLD team is located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire and includes a number of dedicated Legal Advisers, who are all legally qualified and have extensive experience within the Criminal Justice System. Dr Mark Hartley is a former police officer with West Yorkshire Police and previously served as a legal adviser for the Police National Legal Database. He is currently a strategic consultant specialising in operational policing and security across the United Arab Emirates. Dr Hartley holds a Law degree, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Management Studies and Law, for which he received a distinction. He also earned a PhD in policy transfer and criminal justice from the University of Leeds. Paul Ozin KC, BA (Oxon) specialises in financial, corporate and business crime cases, regulatory and disciplinary proceedings, and related civil, public law, and international cases. He is an author and speaker in those fields, including the co-author of Ozin and Norton's PACE: A Practical Guide to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (OUP, 2025).