I WRITE as Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police. Over the last few years we have achieved many successes. Crime levels remain low, with public confidence and victim satisfaction remaining high. We have also received formal recognition from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, which we are extremely proud of.

However, the policing landscape continues to change with the emergence of new and complex crimes, such as cyber crime and modern slavery, the growth of others, including sexual offences, and the ongoing financial uncertainty facing the police service.

With this change comes challenge and opportunity. We will build on our previous success and deliver an effective and efficient core service which meets the needs of you, the public we serve. To do this we need to continue to transform and innovate so that we can meet policing needs now and in the future.

First and foremost we are a responsive emergency service that keeps people safe and brings offenders to justice. Where there is an immediate need, we will of course provide an emergency response; however we need to work with our partners to ensure that you receive the right service. This may not always be a police response.

We need to work together to build stronger more resilient communities. Many of you actively participate in your communities, problem solving to prevent and reduce crime and disorder. We are one community and I encourage residents, business and our partners to play their part in local problem solving and protecting themselves and others from becoming victims of crime.

We need to be a modern police force which meets the needs of our communities. We will maintain our presence within them, focusing on areas of greatest need. You will be able to contact us whenever and however is convenient to you, receiving a more tailored service that includes greater use of digital channels. My officers, staff and volunteers take pride in delivering the highest professional standard in their service to you. We will be honest about what we, the police, can deliver and we will be accountable to you. If our service falls short, be reassured that we will take action.

We need to continue to be smart with our finite resources and over the coming years there will inevitably be difficult decisions to make. I will ensure that when we have to make them, we explain why.

As your Chief Constable I make a commitment to you that my officers, staff and volunteers will continue to work tirelessly, along with our partners and you the public, to make the Thames Valley an even safer place to live and work.

FRANCIS HABGOOD QPM
Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police