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 financial position of Thames Valley Police, CCTV partnerships, and ongoing police reform.

Operation Ford - Effectiveness Review

The panel received an update on Operation Ford, a national policing framework designed to protect elected representatives, candidates, and democratic institutions. Thames Valley Police has integrated Operation Ford principles into its neighbourhood policing, intelligence, investigations, and safeguarding functions. The report highlighted that between January 2025 and February 2026, 150 of the 800 elected councillors in the Thames Valley area participated in the Counter Terrorism Policing Safety and Security Briefing, representing an 18.75% participation rate. This is noted as performing well in comparison to the national briefing rate of 10-12.5%. Pre-election briefings for candidates saw 180 attendees. A key barrier identified was the length of the national Counter Terrorism PowerPoint briefing, which cannot be shortened or delivered individually. Since the introduction of Operation Ford, 32 criminal offences and 12 intelligence reports have been generated. Councillor Ashut raised concerns about the effectiveness of the support provided to local councillors, feeling that they are not as well-protected as MPs and that the resources available are not always effective on the ground. Matthew Barber, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), clarified that Operation Ford is distinct from Operation Bridger, which focuses on MPs, and that while the law is the same for all individuals, Operation Ford aims to recognise escalated risk and ensure appropriate police response and intelligence gathering. He acknowledged that additional security measures like panic buttons would only be provided if there was a specific, individual risk, similar to any member of the public. Councillor Linn questioned the low attendance at the security briefing and asked what steps could be taken to improve engagement. Mr Barber stated that while they cannot force participation, efforts have been made through direct communication and by making the briefings available to candidates. He also addressed concerns about the number of victim not supporting outcomes, suggesting this could be due to fear of escalation or a desire not to pursue criminal justice processes after an arrest.

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

The panel reviewed a report detailing the performance of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare's Law, within Thames Valley Police and compared it to eight other forces. Thames Valley Police received 1,699 DVDS applications, one of the highest volumes among the forces providing data. The report indicated that Thames Valley Police made 595 disclosures, with a 35% disclosure rate, placing it in the upper-middle range of responding forces. 73% of disclosures were completed within 28 days, which is comparable to several other forces. The report highlighted challenges in obtaining directly comparable data due to variations in recording methodologies across forces. The PCC acknowledged the frustration regarding the lack of comparative data and committed to continuing efforts to obtain meaningful benchmarking information, including approaching the Association of PCCs to support data collection. The panel resolved to note the report.

Local Command Unit Implementation Update (Force Review)

An update was provided on the implementation of Thames Valley Police's five Local Command Unit (LCU) model, which replaced the previous 11 Local Policing Areas (LPAs). The report indicated that the LCU model has led to the addition of 25 sergeant posts, strengthened neighbourhood policing, and the introduction of Harm Reduction Units. Victim satisfaction among frontline teams has remained stable, and there has been a reduction in neighbourhood crime. While performance in Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Domestic Abuse (DA) crimes has not improved as much as desired, with mixed performance across LCUs, the solved rate trajectory for VAWG offences is positive. The proportion of Grade 2 calls attended within 60 minutes has increased, largely due to changes in grading policy. Councillor Newton expressed concern about residents' perception that the police do not respond to low-level crime, such as shoplifting and e-bike theft, which he believes could lead to under-reporting and impact police numbers and budgets. The PCC agreed with this frustration, stating that while the LCU restructure has increased neighbourhood officers, the perception of police inaction on lower-level crime is a significant issue. Councillor Cornell raised concerns about police presence in North Bucks, specifically Winslow, and the lack of a police station. The PCC responded that while more resources are always desired, the priority is officers on the streets rather than front counters. He also noted that the force has nearly trebled the number of neighbourhood officers. Councillor Archibald and Councillor Epps raised concerns about illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly in Oxford City and across Oxfordshire. The PCC acknowledged this as a national problem and suggested that government legislation is needed to address the sale and regulation of these vehicles. He also mentioned ongoing work on tactical approaches, including the use of DNA spray and drones, to tackle dangerous riding and associated criminal activity.

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 made in implementing recommendations from the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Task and Finish Group. The report detailed the role of the Thames Valley Adult Service (TVAS), delivered by Victim Support, in assessing and referring victims of domestic abuse. The OPCC funds various specialist services, including the Victims First Hub, CYP Support After Crime Service, and an OPCC Counselling Service. The report highlighted that TVAS supports over 1,000 victims and maintains referral arrangements with specialist Domestic Abuse providers across Thames Valley. Councillor Fawcett expressed concern that the available webinars on tackling misogyny, sexism, and victim-blaming within Thames Valley Police felt like tokenism and questioned whether sufficient action was being taken. The PCC stated that while webinars are part of a wider training programme, they are not the sole solution and that work is also being done through the Professional Standards Department to address misconduct and improve reporting mechanisms. Councillor Osher requested a further report detailing all actions being taken to achieve genuine culture change. The PCC agreed to provide this, potentially at the next meeting.

Update on TVP Financial Position

The panel was presented with an update on Thames Valley Police's financial position, indicating a forecasted underspend of £1.1 million for the year, primarily due to lower than budgeted police officer and police staff costs. However, the report also highlighted significant financial pressures, with a need to deliver £4.9 million in savings this year and an anticipated £15 million annually over the next four years. The Police Pay Award of 3.5% was confirmed to be fully funded without adverse impact on the budget, thanks to additional government funding. The report also detailed the allocation of £5.64 million from the Home Office's Antisemitism Grant over three years to enhance police visibility and engagement within Jewish communities. Councillor Newton raised concerns about the cost of state visits to Thames Valley, stating that residents are bearing the financial burden without adequate compensation from the government. The PCC acknowledged these costs but explained that they are one-off and do not address the ongoing savings requirements. He also highlighted the risk to residents if adequate protection is not provided during state visits. Councillor Arshad inquired about dedicated funding or programs to tackle Islamophobia, similar to the funding for Jewish communities. The PCC confirmed no specific Home Office funding for this but noted existing grants for places of worship and good relationships with Muslim communities. Councillor Epps raised concerns about the potential policing implications of the Home Office's proposals for a site in Bicester, requesting adequate resourcing. The PCC stated he had met with Home Office officials and was seeking £500,000 annually to cover potential increased crime and policing demands.

Thames Valley CCTV Partnership

An update was provided on the Thames Valley CCTV Partnership, noting that all Oxfordshire local authorities have now joined. A second command suite has been established in Abingdon, and implementation works are substantially complete. The partnership aims to provide a more resilient and sustainable CCTV capability across Thames Valley. Discussions are ongoing with other Berkshire authorities and Buckinghamshire to explore further expansion. Councillor Cornell welcomed the investment in Milton Keynes and the work with Thames Valley Police. She also inquired about the use of drones for monitoring, particularly in rural areas, and the timeline for their wider implementation. The PCC indicated that the cost of drones is not the primary barrier, but rather the licensing of pilots, and that a budget line for drones and training is expected for the next financial year. Questions were also raised about facial recognition technology, with the PCC explaining that data is retained only for individuals on a watch list or those identified as suspects, and for the same period as other evidence.

Police Reform Update

The panel received an update on the national police reform programme and the review of policing governance arrangements. Significant uncertainty remains, with delays anticipated in the legislative timetable, potentially pushing Royal Assent to late 2027 or early 2028. The independent review of police force structures led by Lord Hogan-Howe has not yet been published. The PCC continues to engage with local authority leaders to prepare for potential transition arrangements and has expressed interest in chairing a future Transformation Board. The report noted that the Home Office is no longer attending meetings related to transition planning, which the PCC suggested indicates a lack of preparedness. Councillor Fawcett confirmed that her question on this topic had been answered by the PCC's update.

Chairman/PCC Updates and Topical Issues Report

Under this item, the panel discussed several topical issues. The Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Jason Hogg, is considering legal action to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers, with the PCC having proposed an amendment to the Sentencing Act to exclude killers of emergency service workers from early release schemes. A public survey was launched to gather feedback on potential police force mergers, which could see Thames Valley Police absorbed into a larger regional force. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) reported that Thames Valley Police needs to improve its crime investigations and safeguarding of vulnerable people, particularly in relation to rape investigations and the qualification of officers assigned to serious sexual offence cases. The PCC announced that 30 secondary schools will receive funding to implement phone-free policies, using money seized from criminals. Religious hate crime has risen by over a third in Thames Valley, with the force attributing this partly to increased confidence in reporting. The Home Office is reviewing police misconduct processes to make them faster and fairer. The Safety Camera Motorcyclist team has been launched to enhance road safety enforcement, and the number of e-bikes confiscated has more than doubled in the last year.

Work Programme

The panel reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year, noting upcoming items such as the future of neighbourhood policing, recruitment and retention, developer contributions, equalities and diversity, and the PEEL inspection of Thames Valley Police. A new task and finish group for cybercrime was discussed, with a request for the names of panel members and a draft list of questions to be circulated.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of press and public to discuss sensitive matters.