Police recognised for fighting crime while cutting spending

Thames Valley Police has been recognised for reducing crime while having to make £58million-worth of spending cuts, in a report issued today by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).
Thames Valley Police logo PNL-140620-091624001Thames Valley Police logo PNL-140620-091624001
Thames Valley Police logo PNL-140620-091624001

The HMIC’s first-ever police effectiveness efficiency legitimacy (PEEL) report found Thames Valley Police to be effective in reducing crime, preventing offending, investigating crime and tackling anti-social behaviour.

It recognised that the force had increase the numbers of officers and staff on the frontline roles by two percent, while having to make savings of £58million between 2010-2015. Restructuring and redesigning the force, including collaborating with Hampshire Constabulary, alongside reducing non-staff costs has made these savings possible. However, it is anticipated that the Force will have to reduce its costs by another £45million over the next three years (2015/16–2017/18). A total of £24million of savings have already been identified and work is ongoing to identify the remaining £21million.

HMIC graded the Force as ‘Good’ at reducing crime and preventing offending. Crime across the Thames Valley, which is the largest non-Metropolitan Force, is at its lowest in 25 years. The report also recognised that victim satisfaction was high at 89.1 per cent.

Thames Valley Police was also graded ‘Good’ at both investigating offending and tackling anti-social behaviour. The report states that people in the Thames Valley are less likely to be affected by anti-social behaviour than almost anywhere else in the country, with the rate of anti-social behaviour in Thames Valley now under half that seen across England and Wales.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton said: “This first PEEL report reflects the hard work of officers and staff in keeping the people of Thames Valley safe.

“HMIC commends our approach to preventing and solving crime, working with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and dealing with budget cuts with all graded as good or outstanding.

“We have some work to do to improve the accuracy of our crime recording but overall this is a strong report which should give confidence to those that live in the Thames Valley that they are well served and protected.’’

Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said: “I am delighted that Thames Valley has seen one of the biggest reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour in England and Wales. This drop in crime has happened despite significant cuts to budgets.

“Although I am satisfied with the performance of Thames Valley Police I am not complacent and I will continue to encourage improvements to ensure that communities in the Thames Valley, and in particular victims of crime, receive a high-quality policing service.”