PCC and Thames Valley Police welcome stronger independent scrutiny by Thames Valley communities
Chairs from scrutiny, advisory and governance panels met for the first time yesterday (14/4), following the implementation of a more robust and transparent approach to the public scrutiny of policing
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Thames Valley Police has implemented a network of panels across the force area to scrutinise, challenge, and improve the service Thames Valley Police provide to its communities. The implementation follows a Governance Review that took place last year that recommended a more robust, consistent approach with increased community involvement.
Panels and groups made up of volunteers from local communities include a Complaints and Standard Committee, Joint Independent Audit Committee, Independent Advisory Groups, Community Scrutiny Panels, Ethics Think Tank and the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board which is responsible for the scrutiny of Thames Valley Police’s Race Action Plan.
Matthew Barber Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Robust independent scrutiny from the public is essential if we are to build the trust and confidence of our communities. This first meeting of Chairs marks the beginning of our new structure and approach, which will deliver the consistency needed and support my role in holding the Chief Constable to account on behalf of residents.
“Our panel Chairs and members are key to this, and I thank our volunteers for their commitment to drive improvements in Thames Valley Police’s service and standards. Whether it be recommendations, critical observations and challenge around areas including use of force or the police complaint handling process or providing insight into the needs, and concerns of under-represented communities, their role will help Thames Valley Police in its objective to meet the needs of all its communities and deliver greater transparency and accountability to the public.”
Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray, force lead for Legitimacy & Public Value said “During the last 12 months we have fully reviewed and revised our Scrutiny and Advisory structures. The Scrutiny and Advisory Chairs will be vital in our journey to improve trust and confidence. This meeting is the start of that journey, as we work towards realising our vision of being an excellent force trusted by all our communities.”
The majority of panels recommended in the Governance Review are now in operation with custody and outcomes scrutiny panels to be implemented in due course.
The Office of the PCC and Thames Valley Police encourage involvement from individuals from all backgrounds, with a wide range of expertise and experiences, and who are motivated by public service and a desire to bring about genuine, positive change. Further information about each panel and details of how to get involved is available at on the Scrutiny and Advisory Group webpage
