THAMES Valley’s top police officer says communities should take the initiative and step in to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton made the comments following Prime Minister David Cameron’s announcement of his ‘Big Society’ vision.

She suggested that his plan to encourage volunteering and devolve power could help encourage the public to take more responsibility for community safety – instead of always relying on the police and justice system.

Referring every matter to the police was not the answer to every problem, she said, nor was it affordable.

Using Germany as an example, she said more people there intervene if they spotted antisocial behaviour taking place, but that in Britain there is a reluctance to get involved.

Mr Cameron launched his ‘Big Society’ drive last month, and said groups should be able to run post offices, libraries, transport services and shape housing projects.

Thames Valley Police must make £3.4m of savings before March next year, with more severe cuts likely over the coming years.

Officers have warned this could impact upon the numbers of front line bobbies, although nothing has been confirmed or announced yet.

Ms Thornton said: “The police do have a good track record in using volunteers and encouraging local participation.

“But there may never be a better time to step up our efforts. For me, three steps need to be taken.

“First, the Government could help increase the number of special constables by allocating grants for additional training and uniforms, and encouraging employers to provide support.

“Also, volunteering can be a bureaucratic process because of the checks that are required, so there might be scope to take a more proportionate view of the risk.

“Second, we need to give people the confidence to tackle antisocial behaviour.”

She added: “In Germany, two thirds of citizens would intervene in public; in this country, two thirds would not.

“Referring everything to the police, and the legal system, is not the answer to every problem – nor is it affordable.

“Finally, we need new ways to harness the experience of officers and the desire of communities to engage with policing.

“Volunteers, Neighbourhood Watch, Horse Watch, Countryside Watch, Neighbourhood Action Groups and the special constabulary are good examples of local participation.

“But the Big Society concept is a great opportunity to explore how we can develop different and better ways of keeping people safe.”

There are 428 special constables – volunteer police officers – working across Thames Valley, with 107 in Oxfordshire.

Last month, Ms Thornton said officers were too worried to use their common sense in policing in case they broke the rules.

She also called for an end to unnecessary bureaucracy and form filling so officers could spend more time on the beat.