Read my latest news and views…
£100m Burnham Bonus for policing?
Could Andy Burnham’s first big win be a boost to policing?
Amongst the horse trading and power play for those lining up in the hope of gifts being bestowed by Prime Minister Burnham, we have heard rumours of a falling out over the plans to reform the police.
Matthew Barber, Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, has welcomed this year’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week
ASB Awareness Week is the national campaign bringing together policing, housing, local government, charities and community partners to shine a spotlight on ASB, strengthen local responses, and amplify the rights of victims.
Taking money from criminals to get phones out of schools
Launched at a Phone Free Schools event at the Aureus School in Didcot, this scheme will makes sure schools become properly phone free during the school day. £255,000 to support the project is being taken from criminals, funded by the sale of stolen goods that cannot be returned to their rightful owners and orders against criminals by the courts.
Government announces new asylum camp at MOD Bicester
Many will welcome the closure of asylum hotels, including the Oxford Witney Hotel and the Mercure George Hotel in Reading, but there will be significant concern about the community impact of MOD Bicester being used as an open camp for asylum seekers.
PCC report highlights continued progress in making communities safer
The Annual Report demonstrates how continued investment in neighbourhood policing, support for victims, and targeted action on priority crime areas is helping to reduce harm and build safer communities across the Thames Valley.
Police Reform plans risk undermining local policing and public safety
I have published a detailed response to the Government’s Police Reform White Paper, warning that the proposals risk weakening local policing; reducing resources, lessening accountability, and ultimately making communities less safe.