Read my latest news and views…
Will the demise of Police & Crime Commissioners save money?
The Home Office has announced the abolition of Police & Crime Commissioners, describing the role as “a failed experiment” and claiming massive savings.
In reality it is a thinly veiled move in the direction of centralisation and a loss of operational independence.
Launch of a dedicated road victim service
The aim of the Thames Valley-wide road victim service is to provide a support service that offers advocacy, emotional and practical support to residents seriously injured as a result of a road traffic incident.
The service will aim to enable road traffic collision victims to be able to support themselves independently or through an appropriate peer support network, with referrals coming into the service from Thames Valley Police Family Liaison Officers or the Serious Collision Investigation Team.
Oxfordshire County Council presses ahead with damaging changes to Recycling Centres
Oxfordshire County Council are pressing ahead with changes to the county’s local recycling centres which will make it harder for residents to dispose of waste properly and will increase the risk of criminal fly-tipping.
Government announces PCCs to be abolished
Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, responds to the announcement of the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners.
New plan to tackle tool theft and rural crime
Thames Valley has been leading the way in tackling rural crime and the Conservatives’ new plan to tackle tool theft and rural crime reflects the model developed locally…
New action to protect tradespeople, farmers and rural areas from theft and organised crime
Crackdown on traveller encampments and fly-tipping
Launch more Rural Crime Taskforces with dedicated rural police officers
Policing needs a funding formula review now say PCCs
This [National Audit Office] report makes clear the urgent need for a review of the funding formula for policing. The model is outdated and does not take into account the needs of policing and our neighbourhoods, including rural areas. And the continued use of this formula is compounding the disparity between police forces making it harder for PCCs and Chief Constables. Forces can no longer wait for change - a review must happen now.