Thames Valley Police has announced a review of its local policing areas, which could see the number reduced from 11 to just five.
This would see Wokingham and Reading merged into Berkshire West.
The force says the last review was conducted in 2010, and, since then, the policing environment has become more complex, including a rise in digital crime, child sexual exploitation and county drug lines.
Following extensive research, which included studying how other forces are structured, as well as long-term trends and future scenarios in policing, the force is considering two local policing models.
One is to continue with the existing 11 Local Policing Area (LPA) model, with enhancements where possible, and the other is to change to a five-area command model. The five areas would be Oxfordshire, Berkshire West, Berkshire East, Buckinghamshire, and Milton Keynes.
The aim is to ensure the force is structured for the future, with increased investment in frontline services, including domestic abuse, serious crime investigation, and neighbourhood policing.
It is hoped that the review will result in a structure that is better able to meet the needs of the public and partner organisations, as well as the changing nature of crime, and provide a more efficient, effective, and joined-up service that can tackle the most pressing issues in the region.
Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: “We’re keen to find out what people across our area think of our proposals. Feedback from our communities will help inform us as we seek to make a decision on a final option this summer.”
The force is now seeking feedback from the public on the proposals, which can be provided via an online survey. Paper copies are available, and the survey is open until Friday, April 28.
For more details, log on to: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/
