Active Communities campaign
Thames Valley Police's Active Communities campaign encourages more people to get active and involved in policing matters and issues affecting our communities.
National Volunteers’ Week in June 2017 marked the start of the Active Communities campaign. We celebrated the 20th anniversary of our Police Support Volunteer (PSV) scheme.
From accountants to app designers and translators to forensics support, Thames Valley’s over 500 PSVs are all ages, come from different backgrounds and have wide-ranging skills. They volunteer in many diverse roles including as puppy socialisers, role players for training exercises and neighbour dispute mediators.
Thames Valley Police has Cadet Units based across the force, with around 250 13 to 18-year-olds on board as Police Cadets who volunteer their time to learn about policing and support their local communities.
The Mini Police scheme has created opportunities for younger children. Launched in June 2017, the scheme was introduced in Reading for children in Year 5 and 6. Mini police children can help with events such as community speed watch and gain an insight into the work of the police.
There are so many opportunities to get involved. Whether it’s joining your local Neighbourhood Watch, getting involved with your Community Forum or simply attending one of your local Have Your Say meetings, you can work with us to help keep our communities safe.
For further details visit our volunteers information page. If you are interested in being a Police Support Volunteer, visit our volunteering section.
Closer emergency service collaboration without governance changes in the Thames Valley
Police and fire chiefs have pledged to build even closer collaboration without pushing forward with governance changes at this time. The Government introduced new legislation earlier this year to allow Police & Crime Commissioners to take on additional powers in relation to fire and rescue services. Given the complex nature of the arrangements across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire it has been agreed by all services not to pursue costly and complex governance changes at this time.
Instead both police and fire services are continuing to work closely on operational matters to better protect the public. Already the emergency services in Thames Valley are sharing equipment, expertise and premises. All four organisations are committed to finding new ways to save money and improve public protection by working together. You can read statements from each organisation here.
Raising awareness of Female Genital Mutilation
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Thames Valley is raising awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by contacting professionals who work closely children and young people.
We have written to schools and public health organisations informing them of potential warning signs that a girl may be at risk of FGM or has experienced FGM.
FGM is child abuse and is a crime in the UK. Around 66,000 girls and women living in England and Wales have undergone FGM, with a further estimated 20,000 girls under the age of 15 at risk.
Whilst it is thought the crime 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.
What communication appeals to you?
We are conducting a short survey for teenagers aged between 13 and 19 to find out how we can communicate better with our young people. We are looking for all survey results to be in by the end of August.
Thames Valley Open Day great success
Thank you to everyone who came along to the Thames Valley Police Open Day at Sulhamstead earlier this month. Despite the weather and heavy traffic the day was a great success. Click here to view the best bits from this years event.
If you were one of the many hundreds who attended please complete this survey so that Thames Valley can continue to improve the event for next yea