The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel met on Friday 11 September 2026 to discuss Operation Ford, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, and the implementation of Local Command Units. The Panel also received updates on the force's financial position, CCTV partnerships, and ongoing police reform.

Operation Ford - Effectiveness Review

The Panel received an update on Operation Ford, the national policing framework designed to protect elected representatives, candidates, and democratic institutions from threats, harassment, and intimidation. Thames Valley Police has embedded Operation Ford principles across its neighbourhood policing, intelligence, investigations, and safeguarding functions to ensure a consistent and proportionate response to such risks.

Councillor Ashut raised concerns about the effectiveness of Operation Ford, feeling that local councillors are not as well-supported as MPs, particularly when facing issues like racial abuse. Matthew Barber, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), clarified the distinction between Operation Bridger (for MPs) and Operation Ford (for local elected officials). He emphasised that the law applies equally to everyone and that Operation Ford aims to ensure a more informed and proportionate policing response, recognising that elected representatives may face increased and more targeted risks due to their public role. While additional security measures like panic alarms are unlikely to be routinely provided, Operation Ford is intended to improve the policing response.

Councillor Linn questioned the low attendance rate at Operation Ford security briefings, with fewer than one in five councillors participating. The PCC acknowledged this as a challenge, attributing it to individuals not feeling personally at risk or not seeing the training as relevant. Despite efforts to promote the briefings, attendance is voluntary.

Regarding cases where victims do not support further police action (Outcome 16), the PCC stated that he would provide a generic response to the Panel due to the small number of cases involved, explaining that reasons can range from concerns about escalation to a desire for the behaviour to simply stop.

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) Clare's Law: Benchmarking Comparison

The Panel reviewed a report detailing comparative performance information on the delivery of Clare's Law within Thames Valley Police and how it measures up against other forces. Thames Valley Police received 1,699 applications, one of the highest volumes among the eight forces that provided data. The force made 595 disclosures, with a 35% disclosure rate, placing it in the upper-middle range. 73% of disclosures were completed within 28 days, which is comparable to several other forces.

The report highlighted variations in application volumes, disclosure rates, and reporting methodologies across forces, making direct comparisons challenging. The Panel welcomed the report and the commitment to learning from best practice in other forces, particularly regarding disclosure rates and timeliness. They requested a further report in 12 months' time with comparable data to assess progress.

Local Command Unit Implementation Update (Force Review)

The report detailed the implementation of a five Local Command Unit (LCU) model across Thames Valley Police, which replaced the previous 11 Local Policing Areas. The key benefits identified include the addition of 25 sergeant posts to increase supervisory oversight, strengthened neighbourhood policing, the introduction of Harm Reduction Units, and improved management of frontline demand. The changes have also resulted in approximately £2 million in savings.

Councillor Newton raised concerns about residents not reporting lower-level crimes due to a belief that no action will be taken. The PCC acknowledged this challenge, emphasising that the LCU restructuring has strengthened neighbourhood policing and that encouraging reporting is vital for understanding demand and directing resources.

Councillor Cornell highlighted concerns in North Buckinghamshire regarding drug dealing, burglaries, and a lack of visible policing, with a perception that incidents go unreported. The PCC acknowledged the desire for increased police presence and confirmed that frontline policing remains a priority, arguing that resources are better focused on officers in communities rather than staffing front counters.

The Panel also heard thanks for the outstanding response of officers to a tragic crash at Newton Longville, with the PCC noting that a significant amount of policing time is devoted to non-crime incidents.

Regarding performance in achieving positive outcomes for violence against women and girls (VAWG) and domestic abuse (DA) crimes, the Panel sought assurance on further progress and how accountability would be ensured. The PCC stated that ensuring all local investigation teams operate as effectively as the strongest-performing teams is a priority, with a 12-month scrutiny programme focusing on investigation quality and sharing best practice.

Progress Report from the PCC on the Implementation of Recommendations from the Panel's Violence against Women and Girls Task and Finish Group

The Panel received an update on the progress of recommendations from the VAWG Task and Finish Group, focusing on engagement with under-represented communities, victim referral processes, and domestic abuse pathways. The report highlighted the work of the Thames Valley Adult Service (TVAS), delivered by Victim Support, and the Victims First Hub, which acts as a single point of access for victims of crime.

Councillor Fawcett raised concerns about police culture, misogyny, sexism, and victim-blaming behaviours, questioning whether Thames Valley Police is doing enough to achieve genuine cultural change. The PCC stated he was satisfied with the force's efforts, which extend beyond webinars to include mandatory training, strengthened misconduct processes, and support mechanisms for reporting inappropriate behaviour. The Panel requested a more detailed report on culture change initiatives, to be prepared jointly by the PCC's Office and Thames Valley Police, for the November meeting.

The PCC confirmed that strip searches on women in custody are conducted by female officers, with appropriate facilities and safeguards.

Update on TVP Financial Position

The report indicated a small underspend forecast for the current year, but highlighted significant financial pressures, including the need for £4.9 million in savings this year and an anticipated £15 million annually over the next four years. Concerns were raised about the costs of policing state visits, for which adequate additional funding is not always received, and the impact of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, where government funding often covers only a proportion of the cost.

Councillor Newton questioned the reimbursement for policing state visits, arguing it is unfair for Thames Valley residents to bear these national costs. The PCC acknowledged the concern but cautioned that reducing security could increase risks to both visitors and local residents.

Regarding the proposed asylum accommodation and reception centre at Bicester, the PCC is seeking around £500,000 per year from the Home Office to meet additional policing demands, though he is sceptical about receiving the full amount.

The PCC confirmed no equivalent Home Office funding exists for tackling Islamophobia, though existing funding for places of worship covers all faith communities. He stressed that broader investment in neighbourhood policing would enhance the force's ability to protect all communities.

Thames Valley CCTV Partnership

The report detailed progress in delivering the Thames Valley CCTV Partnership, with all Oxfordshire local authorities now joining, a second command suite established in Abingdon, and implementation works substantially complete. The initiative aims to create a more sustainable and consistent CCTV model under Thames Valley Police management.

In response to a question about areas where fixed CCTV is impractical, the PCC highlighted the potential of drones for deterrence and enforcement, noting that the main challenge is officer training and licensing. A three-month trial is planned for trained PCSOs to carry out speed enforcement and tackle other road safety issues.

The PCC clarified that facial recognition data for individuals not on a watchlist is not retained. Where individuals are matched to a watchlist, data is retained as evidence according to policing policies.

Police Reform Update

The PCC reported ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Government's proposed policing reforms, with delays to legislation and outstanding policy decisions. While the abolition of PCCs and Police and Crime Panels in 2028 remains indicated, many details are unclear, making transition planning challenging.

Chairman/PCC Updates and Topical Issues Report

The Panel discussed the HMICFRS report which found Thames Valley Police did not have a dedicated rape investigation unit and that some officers investigating rape and serious sexual offences were not qualified. The PCC explained that the force is working to increase the number of officers with the appropriate qualifications and that senior officers believe the current model, which aligns with Operation Soteria principles, is suitable for Thames Valley. The Panel requested a fuller report on this issue, including comparative data from other forces.

The PCC also explained that the Community Fund, derived from the sale of seized items, is used for charitable purposes, including supporting schools to implement phone-free policies. This initiative aims to improve behaviour, concentration, and educational attainment, while also contributing to safeguarding and reducing antisocial behaviour.

Regarding religious hate crime, the PCC acknowledged an increase in incidents and reporting, often linked to international events. He emphasised the importance of continuing and strengthening existing partnership work and community engagement.

The PCC announced the launch of a Safety Camera Motorcyclist team and a three-month trial allowing trained PCSOs to carry out speed enforcement.

Work Programme

The work programme for future meetings was noted, with additions agreed during the meeting.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public for discussions on hosting arrangements.