Police officer numbers have been increasing in Thames Valley as part of the Home Office funded recruitment programme. With around 4,500 officers serving across our communities, supported by more than 3,500 PCSOs, Special Constables and staff, police officers numbers are now higher than they have been decade.

The Government's newly published drugs strategy, entitled From harm to hope, is a welcome combination of enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention. It has often been said that the so-called "war on drugs" has failed, yet the alternative that is presented is often one of permissiveness that lacks public support and does not address much of the harm caused by drugs beyond the clear impact on the user.

The statistics on knife crime in Thames Valley are remarkably positive. The lockdown restrictions that we all endured last year unsurprisingly had the side-effect of reducing many types of crime, but even taking this into account, serious violence, including knife crime is down and across Thames Valley.

The latest figures show that, by population, we currently have the lowest levels of serious violence of any police force in England and Wales.

Matthew Barber, Thames Valley’s Police & Crime Commissioner has welcomed the publication of policing’s plans to improve its response to violence against women and girls.

Responding to the launch of the National Police Chiefs’ Council-College of Policing framework, Matthew Barber said: “The document sets out actions for operational policing to increase confidence and re-build trust across our communities.”

Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley has welcomed government plans for a first ever Victims' Law.

“I welcome today’s announcement of reforms to better protect and support victims of crime.   All too often within the criminal justice system victims feel like their needs and rights are neglected.   The range of proposals outlined, which create greater transparency and set out clear expectations and accountability for justice agencies, will I hope give victims a greater voice.   

Thames Valley Police has a new partnership with the substance abuse charity Druglink to deliver an innovative adult drug diversion programme providing education and support to help break the cycle of substance abuse and minor offending.

The contract for the provision of the adult drug diversion with Druglink has received £75,000 funding from the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, which has a priority to support partners in their efforts to tackle drug crime and the associated harm.