The latest Thames Valley Police PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) report has been published.
The report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Services (HMICFRS) noted its satisfaction with the force’s performance in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service.
The report highlighted that the force’s officers understand the importance of appropriate behaviours and demonstrate effective communication with the public and is involving community members in the scrutiny of how it uses police powers.
It also noted the force makes good use of stop and search as a policing tactic and finds the object searched for in a higher proportion of cases than any other force in England and Wales.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: "I am pleased the report has recognised our commitment to protecting our communities and serving victims. It acknowledges improvements in many areas made since our last inspection, such as a significant decrease in homicide, recognised by the Home Office as a positive example of tackling the deaths of young men on our streets.
"It also references our work on domestic abuse and the success of our specialist operations to safeguard victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation and reducing the risk of reoffending by registered sex offenders.
"In the last six months, we have responded to more than half a million contacts from the public and attended 81,143 incidents, which represents an incredible demand on our 8,400 officers, staff and volunteers. We have an incredibly committed workforce who protect our communities 24-7. They are often working in highly complex and demanding circumstances, and I would like to thank them for all they do."
The report tasked the force with taking action to protect vulnerable people. Earlier this year, and in response to early findings in the report, the force took immediate steps to increase staffing levels in its safeguarding teams, including doubling its senior team to support its focus on protecting vulnerable people. Referrals to partners about vulnerable people are now sent within appropriate timescales, and queues in the force’s multi-agency safeguarding hubs have now been cleared.
The HMICFRS report notes the Inspectorate is pleased with improvements made since the inspection.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg added: "We have an incredibly committed workforce who came into policing to protect people from harm and protecting vulnerable people is at the core of what we do. We take safeguarding extremely seriously and have been working closely with HMICFRS since their inspection to make sure we have rigorous processes in place to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. We have already made significant improvements and are confident our new approach is making a difference."
Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner said “I take the findings from this inspection extremely seriously.
“There are a number of areas for improvement highlighted in the report including those relating to the management of risks to vulnerable people. It’s vital that the residents of the Thames Valley feel confident that the force are able to act quickly and have effective processes in place to protect vulnerable people from harm. From regular communication with the Chief Constable I know that actions have already been implemented since this inspection, including increasing staffing levels within safeguarding teams, which are addressing the issues highlighted. I will continue to monitor this to ensure that sustainable systems and effective processes are in place which are better placed to respond to demand.
“There are many areas of good practice cited within the report including how Thames Valley Police uses its police powers, its fair treatment of people and communication with the public. However, there is more that needs to be done to improve service delivery for Thames Valley communities. I will assess the recommendations from His Majesty’s Inspectorate alongside the Chief Constable and monitor appropriate actions through my ongoing scrutiny to drive forward the improvements that are needed.”
