The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel met on Friday 19 June 2026 to discuss the Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report, the Panel's own annual report, and updates on various policing matters. Key discussions included crime reduction strategies, road safety, anti-social behaviour, and the implications of the government's proposed policing reforms.

Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber presented his Annual Report for 2025-26, highlighting progress against the Police and Crime Plan 2024-2029. He reported reductions in neighbourhood crime, vehicle crime, and rural crime, alongside improvements in outcomes for rape and sexual offences. However, he also noted ongoing challenges, including an increase in road deaths and serious injuries, and rising recorded anti-social behaviour. Barber also discussed the government's intention to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners by May 2028, stating his focus remains on delivery and ensuring a smooth transition.

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare's Law)

The Panel received an update on the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), Clare's Law, for the period November 2025 to April 2026. Applications for the scheme increased by 31%, with a significant rise in proactive Right to Know applications due to the implementation of Robotic Process Automation. Disclosures made within the statutory 28-day timeframe also saw a marked improvement, increasing from 51% to 73%. Despite these positive developments, the Panel noted that Oxfordshire currently has the highest number of open applications and a higher percentage of applications exceeding the 28-day limit.

Update on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

An update was provided on the PCC's response to the Panel's Anti-Social Behaviour Task and Finish Group recommendations. Progress has been made across all four recommendations, including the continued delivery of the ASB Forum, advancements in system scoping for a shared ASB reporting tool, strengthened engagement with Thames Valley Police on case review consistency, and ongoing improvements to victim support pathways. However, risks remain, particularly concerning the variation in local authority appetite for system change and the uncertain cost implications of a shared system.

Update on Policing White Paper

Matthew Barber provided an update on the government's Policing White Paper, which proposes significant reforms including the creation of a National Police Service, potential force mergers, and the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners. Barber expressed concerns about the potential weakening of local policing, reduced accountability, and the impact on public safety. He highlighted that an independent report commissioned by his office, CoPaCC Advisory, also raised significant concerns about the risks and uncertainties associated with force mergers, including potential cost, disruption, and reduced local responsiveness. Barber urged the government to reconsider key elements of the proposals.

PCC Response to HMICFRS Report on Integrity Arrangements

The Panel reviewed the PCC's response to the HMICFRS inspection of integrity arrangements in Thames Valley Police. The inspection found vetting arrangements to be adequate, but requires improvement for upholding professional standards and tackling potential corruption. The PCC acknowledged the findings and highlighted actions taken by the force since the inspection, including strengthening vetting, improving complaint handling, and focusing on counter-corruption measures. The OPCC will continue to scrutinise these areas to ensure improvements are embedded and sustained.

Annual Review of Panel's Terms of Reference and Appointments

The Panel reviewed its Rules of Procedure and Panel Arrangements, agreeing to approve them for the upcoming year. Discussions were held regarding the Host Authority for the Panel in 2026/27, with a decision to be made after further discussion on future hosting arrangements. The Panel also made appointments to its Complaints Sub-Committee and Budget Task and Finish Group, and considered the appointment of a Cyber Crime Task and Finish Group.

Topical Issues

Several topical issues were raised:

• Criminal use of e-bikes and e-scooters: Matthew Barber highlighted the increasing criminal use of these vehicles and the need for updated legislation to address issues such as illegal conversion kits. Thames Valley Police has seized over 1,200 e-bikes and e-scooters this year.
• Laughing gas breathalyser trial: Thames Valley Police, alongside Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police, is trialling the world's first roadside laughing gas breathalyser to address the emerging threat of drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide.
• Stalking support service extension: The Thames Valley Stalking Service has been extended for two more years, providing support to victims of stalking across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Milton Keynes.
• Wiltshire PCC quits NPAS board: Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire PCC, resigned from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) board due to concerns about the cost of helicopters, advocating for greater investment in drones and AI.
• School phone ban: Matthew Barber urged all schools in his area to ban smartphones from classrooms to reduce distraction and bullying.
• Unadopted estates: The PCC is challenging councils and developers regarding the issue of unadopted estates.
• New unit to target crime gangs on High Streets: A new £30m High Street organised crime unit has been announced by the government to tackle drug gangs, child sexual exploitation, money laundering, and other crimes linked to shop fronts.
• Anti-vehicle theft campaign: Thames Valley Police has launched a campaign to reduce vehicle crime, including tool-marking events.
• Award-winning operation tackles retail crime: A targeted operation in Reading town centre, which won the Thames Valley Police 2026 Laycock Award, has delivered significant reductions in retail crime through partnership and prevention.
• Community Fund awards: Over £200,000 has been awarded to 47 local community and voluntary organisations through the PCC's Community Fund.
• Fatal Five road safety focus: Thames Valley Police is adding careless or inconsiderate driving to its Fatal Four road safety focus, making it the Fatal Five.
• Victims First support: The PCC's Victims First Officers supported over 4,300 victims and witnesses of crime in the Thames Valley last month.

Work Programme

The Panel discussed its work programme for the upcoming year, with key items including updates on the Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, the implementation of ASB Task and Finish Group recommendations, and the Policing White Paper. Future topics will also include an update on the PCC's Estates Strategy and a review of developer contributions for policing infrastructure.