Improve investigations and safeguarding, force told

A police force must improve its crime investigations and how it safeguards vulnerable people, a report has found.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said Thames Valley Police had made "significant improvements, but there is more work to do".

It found the force - which covers Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire - did not have a dedicated rape investigation unit and "often officers assigned to rape and serious sexual offences cases aren't qualified".

Thames Valley Police said it welcomed the findings and it was "already taking action".

The inspectorate's report graded the force across eight areas.

It found it "requires improvement" in leadership and force management, investigating crime and safeguarding children and adults.

It was "adequate" in police powers and public treatment, responding to the public - and managing fraud.

For developing a diverse and inclusive workforce and preventing and deterring crime, it was rated "good".

Up until 31 March 2025, the force received £825m in funding, with "significant resource and financial demands" being used for high-profile state visits to Windsor Castle.

Inspectors said it needed to improve its response to non-emergency calls, especially in relation to domestic abuse.

It also "needs to improve its processes for identifying and safeguarding high-risk victims of domestic abuse and improve its referral process to schools for children witnessing domestic abuse".

His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, Roy Wilsher, said: "I have concerns about how it is investigating crime and supporting vulnerable people.

"The force should improve its safeguarding processes and its ability to progress crime investigations to make sure victims get the service they deserve.

"There are still areas in which Thames Valley Police must do better, and we will continue to monitor its progress."

He said he was "optimistic" about its progress.

"We found that teams, such as management of sexual offenders and violent offenders and domestic abuse investigation, were particularly under-resourced", the report said.

It had "too few officers and supervisors".

"The force needs to assure itself that it only allocates serious and complex crimes to officers who are sufficiently trained and experienced to investigate them effectively."

Thames Valley Police's Deputy Chief Constable, Ben Snuggs, said: "We are clear that there is more to do.

"We are already taking action to develop our investigative capability, invest in our people and ensure we are making the most effective use of our resources to meet demand.

"Our priorities and focus remain unchanged: to fight crime, serve victims, build community trust and value our people."

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