THE OFFICE of the Police and Crime Commissioner has awarded more than £200,000 to organisations in Thames Valley.
The fund sees proceeds from the sale of goods recovered by the police, which cannot be returned to their original owners, given to groups who support one of the priorities outlined in the PCC’s Police and Criminal Justice plan.
These priorities include preventing crime and protecting communities, fighting serious organised crime, combating fraud and cybercrime, improving the criminal justice system and reducing re-offending, and tackling illegal encampments.
The latest round of funding launched on August, 19 with £200,000 allocated to the pot.
The OPCC received 188 applications, totalling around £1.4m of proposed funding.
After a panel evaluated submissions and diligence checks were made, 43 organisations were selected, representing £200,551 of investment.
Among the organisations chosen were Berkshire Women’s Aid, The Cowshed, and The Hardman Trust.
Representatives from the selected projects are also invited to attend a presentation event, hosted by both the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable, in Buckinghamshire on Thursday October
Mr Barber said: “I’m pleased to be able to award this funding – taken from criminals by our hard-working officers – and put it back into our fight against crime.
“Along with other projects supported by my Community Fund, these initiatives are making a difference every day across the Thames Valley.”
He explained: “These organisations know their communities, engage with local policing teams and work to protect people and address local concerns.
“It’s even better knowing we’re using money taken from criminals, to support projects that will really benefit local residents.
“Our communities will benefit from this funding in a number of ways including interventions to support prison leavers and reduce re-offending, support for victims of domestic abuse and several projects to divert young people away from crime.”
Jason Hogg, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “Alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, I am pleased to be able to award over £200,000 of funding to 43 voluntary and community groups in the second round of this year’s Community Fund.
“This funding will ensure community and voluntary organisations can continue to run projects that play an important role in preventing crime and protecting our communities.
“I look forward to meeting the successful applicants at the presentation event in Buckinghamshire later this month.”
A full list of grant recipients is available to view via: thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/community-fund/
