Anthony Stansfeld, Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC), and Francis Habgood, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police (TVP), attended the meeting to give presentations and answer questions from members of the Committee.  Superintendent Stan Gilmour also attended to answer questions on local issues.

The presentation by the Police & Crime Commissioner covered an overview of policing in the Thames Valley, Strategic Priorities for 2017-21, progress against those priorities in 2017-18 and so far in 2018-19, and a summary of crime performance in 2017-18 with comparisons to historic trends.

The presentation by the Chief Constable covered call volumes to 101 and 999 and average time to answer calls, recent crime trends in Reading, local problem-solving initiatives, successful measures to reduce demand and the Hidden Harm campaign.

The Committee asked questions on subjects including stop and search, hate crime, communication with the public on action being taken in connection with local crime issues, staffing resources available for neighbourhood policing, and the future of Reading police station.

Councillor Rowland attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on the increasing problem of drug- related crime and ASB, and difficulties with reporting this on the 101 line.

Resolved –

That the Police & Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable be thanked for their presentations.