THAMES Valley Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner have welcomed new community scrutiny implementations for the force.
A new network of panels is aimed at independently scrutinising the police to continue to improve their service.
It follows a governance review last year which recommended a more robust and consistent approach to oversight of police, including an increased community involvement in the process.
Panels and groups made up of volunteers were created, including a Complaints and Standards Committee, a 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.
The Office of the PCC and Thames Valley Police are encouraging 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.
The majority of panels recommended in the governance review are now in place, with the implementation of custody and outcomes panels still to come.
Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, 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.
He explained: “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 and 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.”
Further information about each panel and details of how to get involved is available on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website, via: thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk
