The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel met to review the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) annual report, discuss domestic violence, shoplifting, and antisocial behaviour, and to review panel procedures. The panel re-elected Peter Gammond as chair and Councillor Stephen Newton as vice-chair. They also agreed to consider paying an allowance to the panel's independent co-opted members.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Peter Gammond was re-elected as chair of the panel, with Councillor Stephen Newton elected as vice-chair. Councillor Karen Rowland nominated Councillor Newton, highlighting his dedication, non-partisanship, and contributions to the Antisocial Behavior Task Force.

Apologies and New Members

The chair welcomed new members to the panel and thanked those who had served previously. Apologies were received from several councillors, including Councillor Richard Coe, Councillor Kate Gregory, and Councillor Ashley Wake.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report 2024-2025

Matthew Barber, the PCC for Thames Valley, presented his annual report, highlighting achievements in public safety, victim outcomes, and community confidence. Councillor Stuart Wilson questioned the metrics used to measure community confidence, to which Mr Barber responded by detailing a public confidence survey jointly commissioned with Thames Valley Police.

Councillor Wilson requested a copy of the survey, questioning whether the statement of tangible improvement was justified without year-over-year data. Mr Barber agreed to provide the questionnaires and consider amending the wording of the statement.

Councillor Rowland inquired about proactive work, specifically mentioning the Choices Programme in schools and key individual networks. She raised concerns about a perceived shift towards reactive policing in new local command unit (LCU) structures. Mr Barber clarified that police should be crime fighters, but that this does not mean they are not proactive or only responding to crime. He also addressed concerns about community engagement, stating that it is essential for fighting crime.

Another councillor asked about the level of response to the public confidence survey from different areas and communities. Mr Barber explained that the survey uses a weighted sample to ensure representation across demographics and geographies, including urban and rural areas.

Councillor Stephanie Steevenson questioned how the reduction in local policing areas has affected service delivery, particularly in Hungerford. Mr Barber responded that there was no loss of a local sergeant for Hungerford, but that the sergeant now covers a wider geographical area. He stated that the LCU changes aimed to save £20 million without reducing frontline officers.

Councillor Neil Fawcett raised three questions about road safety, including monitoring trends, progress on average speed technology, and improving residents' ability to report close passes. Mr Barber detailed the work of the road safety group, plans for an annual report on casualties, and the potential for a proactive enforcement team. He also mentioned investments in the criminal justice team to handle increased volumes of submissions from cyclists and motorists.

Councillor Susan Morgan raised concerns about the use of the term 'domestic abuse' instead of 'domestic violence' and the lack of mention of Clare's Law¹ and Buckinghamshire Council's domestic violence strategy. She also questioned the effectiveness of perpetrator programmes and the lack of support for children affected by domestic violence. Mr Barber clarified that the term 'domestic abuse' is used to encompass a broader range of behaviours, including coercive control. He also detailed the child-centred service SAFE², which provides specialist support for children as victims and witnesses of domestic abuse.

Councillor Ahmed asked about the impact of reduced community safety funding on CCTV and community safety projects in Slough. Mr Barber responded that CCTV is not a statutory responsibility, and that the council's decision to reduce funding would result in a corresponding reduction in funding from the partnership fund.

Councillor Gareth Epps asked about the public survey and road safety enforcement. Mr Barber explained that a multifaceted approach to road safety involves working with local authorities, analysing data, and considering various measures beyond speed enforcement.

Another councillor asked about improving charge rates for rape, sexual offences, and domestic abuse cases, as well as the existence of grooming gangs in Buckinghamshire. Mr Barber stated that support for victims is crucial for increasing conviction rates. He acknowledged the existence of grooming gangs and the importance of identifying and supporting victims.

Police and Crime Panel's Annual Report 2024/25

The panel received its annual report for 2024/25. Councillor Rowland expressed satisfaction with the report, noting the achievements, challenges, scrutiny, and responses from Mr Barber.

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) Clare's Law

The panel received an update on the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare's Law. Mr Barber stated that the report showed progress, but that more improvements were needed. He offered to take away questions about data comparisons and ensure the panel receives accurate, comparable data.

Panel members requested a shorter, more focused report with key performance indicators and comparisons against similar forces. They also emphasised the importance of consistent data reporting and timeliness.

Tackling Shoplifting - Update Report

The panel received an update on efforts to tackle shoplifting. Mr Barber discussed the 22% increase in recorded shoplifting, attributing it to better reporting through the DISC app³. He explained that the app makes it easier for retailers to report crimes and share information.

A councillor questioned whether the increase in reporting corresponded to an increase in police attendance and charges. Mr Barber stated that attendance is prioritised for incidents involving violence or detained suspects, and that the charge rate has doubled. He also addressed concerns about the perception that police do not respond to shoplifting incidents involving less than £200, clarifying that this is not the case.

Councillor Morgan asked about the causes of shoplifting and the balance of responsibility between retailers and the police. Mr Barber stated that drug use and organised crime are significant factors. He also stated that retailers should take proactive measures to prevent shoplifting, such as improving store layouts and challenging shoplifters.

PCC Response to the Panel's Anti-Social Behaviour Task & Finish Group Report and Recommendations

Mr Barber presented his response to the panel's Anti-Social Behaviour Task & Finish Group report. He stated that he agreed with most of the recommendations and outlined a proposed action plan.

He highlighted the challenge of working with 14 local authorities and the need for buy-in to create a single reporting system for antisocial behaviour. He also stated that funding and technical issues could pose challenges to implementation.

Councillor Newton asked about the progress of the action plan and whether any issues had arisen. Mr Barber responded that there had been no significant pushback, but that funding and technical challenges remained.

Review of Panel Rules of Procedure, Panel Arrangements, Complaints Procedure, Protocol between the Panel and the PCC, Panel Membership and appointment to Sub-Committee and Task Groups

The panel reviewed its rules of procedure, panel arrangements, complaints procedure, and protocol between the panel and the PCC. They agreed to delegate appointments to task and finish groups and complaint subcommittees to the chair and vice-chair.

A councillor suggested implementing time limits for questions and answers during meetings. However, other members expressed concerns about restricting the ability of members to ask questions and receive thorough answers. The panel agreed to maintain the current approach, with the chair managing the discussion.

The panel approved the rules of procedure and panel arrangements, and agreed to consider paying an allowance to the independent co-opted members. They also reconfirmed that future meetings would take place at Buckinghamshire Council's Gateway House in Aylesbury.

Report of the Complaints Sub-Committee

The panel received a report from the Complaints Sub-Committee, which provided a summary of two complaints made against the PCC.

Topical Issues Report

The panel noted the topical issues report, which covered a range of topics, including the justice system being underfunded, sexual misconduct complaints against Thames Valley Police staff, and investment fraud.