The Police Federation held a minute's silence for the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy at its annual conference before acknowledging "errors" were made in how officers reacted.
Inquests into the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans during an FA Cup semi-final found the actions of the police and ambulance service had "caused or contributed" to Britain's worst sporting disaster.
It also ruled that the behaviour of fans was not a factor in the tragedy, in which supporters were crushed before the game against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.
The Police Federation has previously seemed reluctant to apologise for what happened, arguing that those on duty "did their best".
But chairman Steve White said on Tuesday it was now time to "draw a line" and move on.
"Sadly, like every organisation, errors are made - nowhere more so than at Hillsborough 27 years ago," he told the Federation's conference.
"The tragic events of that day left 96 families mourning for their loved ones, and others - fans, stewards, and emergency service workers - traumatised by their desperate attempts to help and save lives.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the families and friends of the 96 people who lost their lives."
Home Secretary Theresa May said the tragedy should serve as a reminder to police of the need for change.
Speaking at the conference, she said: "Let's not forget when we look at Hillsborough, the principle obstacle to the pursuit of justice has not been the passage of time.
"The problem has been due process was obstructed, and the police - the custodians of justice - failed to put justice firs
"We must not let the lessons of Hillsborough and other past injustices go unheeded, and we must not be afraid to face up to the challenges of today."
She told delegates that the tragedy should serve as a "touchstone" for how police respond to future events.
After leading the conference in a minute's silence, Steve White added that it was "unfair" to hold the officers of today responsible for what happened at Hillsborough.
"It is right that we are held to account - whether that's policing a football match, policing a picket line in a long-running dispute, policing a demonstration, or policing a riot.
"But we must draw a line.
"And we must also draw a distinction between the actions of a minority of senior officers decades ago, and the behaviours of the majority of our members today."
After the inquests' findings were handed down last month, the chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, David Crompton, was suspended from duty.
Dismissal proceedings have now commenced, with the force set to decide whether to call for Mr Crompton to retire or resign.
Dr Alan Billings, the area's police and crime commissioner, said it was the only course open to him given the "erosion of public trust and confidence".
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