Police watchdog says Thames Valley's protection of vulnerable people is inadequate
A report from the police watchdog rated Thames Valley Police as 'inadequate' in the protection of vulnerable adults
The most recent report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services highlighted four key areas where Thames Valley Police is needing improvement, which includes investigating crime, responding to the public, managing offenders, and showing leadership and force management.
The report also showed two areas in which the force was rated 'adequate', in preventing crime and developing a positive workplace, and public treatment in which the work of the force was deemed 'good'.
"...it's on us, we have to get it right."
When it comes to protecting vulnerable adults, the force was however rated 'inadequate'.
Deputy Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, Ben Snuggs, said: "Nobody polices across Thames Valley apart from Thames Valley Police so it's on us, we have to get it right."
Although the report highlighted the key areas where the force could focus efforts to deliver a better service, the report suggested improvements for all areas Thames Valley covers.
Police were keen to highlight the work they do to safeguard women, and to reiterate the key message of the ongoing 16 Days Of Activism aimed at ending violence against girls and women.
"...it's the level of accountability that we hold for each other..."
Mr Snugg further insisted the priority for the force is to practise accountability in an effort to produce better results.
He said: "One of the key values that we have at Thames Valley Police is to strive to improve everyday."
"It's what we expect of ourselves, it's the level of accountability that we hold for each other, but of course also our public partners and what the community expects of us too."
"...to respond quickly and respond well to make sure that we give brilliant victim service..."
Earlier this year, a report from the police watchdog, commissioned by Thames Valley's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, highlighted failings in the force's vetting process.
The force is now working towards improving results and scrutinising officers before they start service, as well as to evaluate performance throughout their time at Thames Valley Police.
Mr Snuggs highlighted a key message for him, which is "to do the bit that policing and only policing can do, which is to respond quickly and respond well to make sure that we give brilliant victim service and ultimately to lock people up who are perpetrating crime."