The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss a range of policing matters, including road safety, complaints and misconduct data, inland waterways policing, and updates on national policing reforms. The meeting also included a review of the annual assurance report from the Joint Independent Audit Committee and topical issues.

Road Safety Partnership Strategy and Operation Spotlight

The Panel was scheduled to receive an update on the delivery of the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) Road Safety Strategy and the strategic oversight of Operation Spotlight. This report aimed to provide information on efforts to reduce road-related criminality and serious injuries or fatalities through targeted enforcement, public education, and partnership working. The strategy involves a multi-agency approach, with a Road Safety Partnership Group and a Data Insight Group established to coordinate efforts. Initiatives such as Community Speedwatch and national campaigns were highlighted, alongside the ongoing development of Operation Torchlight, which targets vehicles used for criminal gain.

OPCC/TVP Complaints and Misconduct Data Report

This report was intended to provide assurance to the Panel regarding the PCC's oversight activities and the processes in place to monitor standards and ensure Thames Valley Police's (TVP) compliance with relevant legislation and guidance. The report detailed police complaints, including definitions, the roles of the Professional Standards Department (PSD), the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and PCCs. It also covered police misconduct, including definitions, criteria for suspension, and the roles of PSD, the IOPC, and PCCs in misconduct proceedings. The report included data on complaint reviews, misconduct hearings, and the cost of misconduct hearings, as well as referencing a HMICFRS report on integrity arrangements within TVP.

Inland Waterways Policing Report

Following a request from the Panel in September 2025, this report was scheduled to provide further detail on inland waterways policing capabilities, roles, and responsibilities. It aimed to clarify the definitions of roles and responsibilities as contained within the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) Marine Police Manual. The report was expected to outline the primary tasking authority for inland Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents, the role of Fire Services in water rescue, and the involvement of voluntary rescue organisations. It also detailed police underwater search capabilities and the use of the submerged person tool. The report was to include information on water recovery within Thames Valley and ongoing engagement and partnership work related to water safety activity.

White Paper - 'From local to national: a new model for policing'

The PCC was scheduled to provide an oral update on the Government's White Paper, From local to national: a new model for policing, and its potential implications for Thames Valley. The White Paper proposes significant reforms to policing, including a review of the current 43-force model, the creation of a National Police Service to handle serious and organised crime, counter-terrorism, fraud, digital forensics, and national roads policing. It also aims to strengthen local policing by increasing neighbourhood officers and introducing new powers for the Home Secretary to intervene in failing forces. The White Paper also outlines workforce reforms, including mandatory vetting and a new Licence to Practise for officers. The report also noted the earlier announcement regarding the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners by 2028.

Annual Assurance Report 2025 from the Joint Independent Audit Committee

This report from the Joint Independent Audit Committee (JIAC) was intended to provide independent assurance to the PCC and the Chief Constable regarding the effectiveness of risk management, governance, and the control environment within TVP and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). The JIAC's overall conclusion was that governance arrangements were operating efficiently and effectively, with financial controls being robust. The report highlighted key observations on TVP's multi-year strategy, estates strategy, the new forensics building project, fire safety, technology investment, HR policies, enabling services, and the Chiltern Transport Consortium. It also noted the increasing pressure on reserves and the need for a clearer measurement framework for TVP's role in UK resilience. The report detailed the focus for the coming year, including financial management, estates strategy, technology investment, and the impact of potential local government and police reforms.

Chairman/PCC Updates and Topical Issues Report

This agenda item was scheduled to allow the Panel to note and ask questions on topical issues. The report provided summaries of recent policing and crime news, including a BBC News article detailing HMICFRS findings that Thames Valley Police requires improvement in tackling corruption and upholding professional standards, citing issues with random drug testing, complaint handling, the sexual risk register, and gifts and hospitality. Another article highlighted that Thames Valley Police was short changed by almost £1 million for providing security during Donald Trump's state visit. A further article reported a record high in children being tasered by Thames Valley Police. The report also included information on plans for a new national police service, potential cuts to the number of police forces, and the introduction of a licence to practise for police officers.

Work Programme

The Panel was scheduled to discuss future items for the work programme. Suggestions included reviewing Operation Ford with a wider scope to include handling of harassment and unacceptable behaviour towards local councillors, and a future item on the future of neighbourhood policing. The PCC also suggested that Police Force Mergers, expected to feature in an upcoming government white paper, would be a major topic for the panel to examine from March onward. The programme was already full, but these additional items were considered appropriate for scheduling as information became available.