Matthew Barber celebrates 10 years of PCCs
Today marks ten years since Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were first democratically elected and started making a real difference for our communities by providing the public with a stronger voice in policing and criminal justice.
Over the last 10 years, elected PCCs have established their role as the public’s voice in policing. PCCs hold the police to account to deliver an effective and efficient police service. In addition they champion victims and survivors of crime, lead local partnerships and commission countless initiatives and services to tackle crime, protect the public and ensure our communities are safer.
On today’s anniversary, Matthew said: “Today marks an important milestone in the accountability of policing across the country. Since Police & Crime Commissioners were first democratically elected ten years ago, the role of policing in our communities has greatly evolved.
“Since I took office in May 2021, we have achieved a great deal. Police Officer recruitment has continued, and we now have more police officers than ever before in Thames Valley.
“As part of my commitment to engaging with communities, I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of different community and voluntary organisations who have received funding through the Community Fund. I look forward to continuing to engage with supporter organisations and our communities in the coming months.
“The work that my office is leading on reducing reoffending by those leaving our prisons and ambitious work to tackle the culture of knife carrying is making a difference to keep our streets safe.
“I am also proud of the work that my office leads through the Victims First service, including support and funding for victims of crime across the Thames Valley.
“It is a huge privilege to represent communities across the Thames Valley, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside with our communities to remain committed to the key priorities set out in my Police & Criminal Justice Plan.”
Police & Crime Commissioners across the country continue to make a real difference, with areas of work including:
- Helping to end violence against women and girls
- Driving forward improvements to local criminal justice services
- Preventing crime and reducing re-offending
- Tackling ASB and addressing drug and alcohol abuse
- Addressing race disparity and disproportionality within policing
- Restoring public confidence and trust in policing
For further information, please visit the Association of Police & Crime Commissioner’s website.
