#public-attitudes

#public-attitudes

A few weeks ago, Katie Porter's campaign for California governor was reeling. A day after an irritable TV interview went viral, an old video surfaced of the former Orange County congresswoman cursing and berating one of her aides. Around the same time, the race for U.S. Senate in Maine was shaken by a number of disturbing online posts. In them, Democratic hopeful Graham Platner disparaged police and Black people, among other crude remarks.

The survey, commissioned by CIVEA - the principal trade body for civil enforcement agencies in England and Wales - highlights the daily challenges faced by Enforcement Agents and the growing levels of aggression they encounter from the public. The findings have prompted calls for two key asks: greater awareness of the legitimate role and legal powers of Enforcement Agents; and stronger partnerships with the police to address instances of aggressive behaviour.

Earlier this year, the UK government delayed the rollout of driverless vehicles until late 2027* as it strives to build public trust. While limited self-driving technology is permitted on UK roads, a human driver must be at the wheel to supervise and intervene if needed. But several companies are already testing more advanced tech across the UK. In Belfast, NI's first self-driving vehicle - the Harlander shuttle bus - is giving passengers at Titanic Quarter a taste of the future.**