Response to HMICFRS Crime Data Integrity Report for Thames Valley
Statement from Matthew Barber, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley
"I am disappointed with the findings of the HMICFRS Thames Valley Police Crime Data Integrity report. Clearly, there is work that needs to be done by Thames Valley Police to improve the level and accuracy of crime recording. The public need to feel confident that they have an accurate picture of crime in their area and the Police and Crime Commissioner and I will be closely monitoring the progress of the Force in addressing these issues and holding the Chief Constable to account in responding to the recommendations.
“It’s vital that victims feel assured that on reporting a crime, they will be supported appropriately and I will be seeking reassurance from the Force that the way in which crime has been recorded by Thames Valley Police has not had an impact on the level of service victims receive. The PCC and I will be monitoring the Forces improvements to ensure victims are being offered the support they are entitled to and deserve.
“The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner continues to work to provide support for victims of crime through ‘Victims First’. The PCC funds services offering emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime who require additional help and any victim of crime can receive support through Victims First regardless of whether or not they choose to report the crime to the Police”.
Police and Crime Commissioner announces new service to support victims
The Police and Crime Commissioner has announced the provider of a brand new service to support victims, witnesses and family members affected by crime.
Thames Valley Partnership, a well-established local charity, has been awarded the contract for the Emotional Support and Advocacy (ESA) Service. From early April, the ESA Service will offer individualised and group support to adults affected by many different forms of crime, including violent crime, burglary, robbery, fraud and repeat episodes of anti-social behaviour.
Support will be available regardless of when or where the crime took place or whether the individual has reported to police. The new ESA Service joins a suite of other services for victims funded by the PCC to help those affected by crime, which includes a Young Victims service, an Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service, and a Restorative Justice Service.
Police and Crime Commissioner supports Safer Internet Day
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Thames Valley is supported Safer Internet Day on 6th February which promotes the safe and positive use of digital technology.
With the theme of “Create, Connect and Share Respect”, the aim of the day is to promote a safer internet but also a better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.
Working to support a safer internet, the PCC has a key aim within his Police and Crime Plan to improve public awareness of measures to protect against cybercrime.
Last year the PCC awarded approximately £100,000 in grant funding to eight organisations working to improve prevention and early intervention of cybercrime, including delivering targeted cybercrime prevention activities particularly to those at either end of the age spectrum. This includes working with school children to raise awareness of topics such as grooming, sharing of inappropriate images and cyberbullying.
Reward and Recognition Awards for Berkshire Criminal Justice Agencies and Out of Court Disposal Scrutiny Panel
Thames Valley Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) recently presented Reward and Recognition Awards to Berkshire Criminal Justice Agencies and the Out of Court Disposal Scrutiny Panel in recognition of improved criminal justice system performance over the last year.
Speaking about the award for the Berkshire Criminal Justice Agencies, Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said “As chair of the Programme Management Group of the LCJB and thereby responsible for the oversight of performance across Thames Valley, I wish to commend their work and enthusiasm in ensuring and maintaining excellent improvements in performance."
Speaking about the award for the Out of Court Disposal Scrutiny Panel, Superintendent Katy Barrow-Grint, Thames Valley Police said “As recent chair of this panel I wish to commend their work and enthusiasm in ensuring correct scrutiny is given to both Adult and Youth Out of Court Disposals. This is an important panel which ensures the legitimacy and professionalism of police decisions is accurately reviewed, ensuring confidence in the decision making of police officers which results in offending being dealt with at the most appropriate level."
Police and Crime Commissioner supports International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
FGM is child abuse and is a crime in the UK. It involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other damage to the genital organs, for supposed cultural, religious or non-medical reasons. This practice inflicts severe physical and psychological damage to the child which can last a lifetime.
FGM is routinely practiced in some African and Middle Eastern countries - in some places up to 98 per cent of young women have undergone the FGM procedure.
It is estimated that around 66,000 girls and women living in England and Wales have undergone FGM, with a further 20,000 girls under the age of 15 at risk. Whilst it is thought that FGM predominantly takes place outside the UK, it is believed to be vastly under-reported. The summer holidays are a particularly high risk time for potential victims of this practice when girls may be taken out of the country for the procedure.
Last year the PCC awarded funding of nearly £120,000 to seven organisations across the Thames Valley working to improve prevention and early intervention of FGM. This includes training and other awareness raising initiatives for key professionals, and engagement and education in key communities where there are cultures known to be at risk.
The PCC has also commissioned the charity SAFE! to provide support to young victims of crime aged 8 -17 across the Thames Valley. Young victims of FGM can receive practical and emotional support through SAFE! on 0800 133 7938. More information can be found at www.victims-first.org.uk/crimes/young-victims-service/
