Independent police review findings released by PCC
THE findings of an independent review of the work to reduce reoffending across the Thames Valley have been released.
Matthew Barber, police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, commissioned the £50,000 review which took place over a number of months.
Mr Barber said: “In line with my Police and Criminal Justice Plan, I commissioned this vital review to further understand our criminal justice system locally.”
The review included workshops, interviews and shadowing of services from prison, probation and in the community across
30 different organisations.
Results from the independent review have now been adopted by the Thames Valley Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) along with the 21 recommendations it made.
The report says there is “no clear overall ownership of the prison leavers’ system” and there is a lack of a defined overall shared purpose and shared focus on priorities”.
The report shows there is a “line of accountability” to the Reducing Reoffending Board and Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB), but it is not for the entire system.
Mr Barber says this is already being addressed with recommendations being implemented by the LCJB and a pilot scheme called “Restart Thames Valley”, which is set to launch in June.
He said: “Restart Thames Valley will be a year-long pilot, running from June this year, working with more than 350 offenders leaving both Bullingdon and Bronzefield prisons.”
“It will build on the experience of those currently being released from prison, those who have successfully resettled and frontline staff working hard to help people maintain successful outcomes such as stable accommodation and support networks.
“The findings from my independently commissioned review will be given directly to decision makers across prison, probation and commissioned services so that they can act on and test improvements during the Restart Thames Valley pilot.
“I look forward to seeing the impact Restart Thames Valley will have to increase the chances for those leaving prison to lead a successful life with the right support.”