TVP net drug operations funding

THE police and crime commissioner (Pcc) has released £36,766 to Thames Valley Police in a bid to improve the efficiency of drugs investigations.

A specialist ‘drugs co-ordinator’ is to be employed to supervise operations, with most of the funding reserved for forensics.

The move is a bid to speed up investigations.

The co-ordinator will use state-ofthe-art equipment to analyse suspected narcotics samples, and will work with investigators in the field.

Pcc Anthony Stansfeld said: “I am delighted to have been able to provide this funding for the creation of a drugs co-ordinator role within

Thames Valley Police.

“This pilot scheme will improve the timeliness of drugs-related cases across Thames Valley.

“I am therefore delighted to be able to award this exceptional funding to help support this pilot and, in turn, keep our communities safe.”

Thames Valley Police head of forensic services Kay Hannam said: “The Forensic Investigation Unit are excited at the prospect to pilot this new scientific approach to support the force with tackling drug crime in our communities.

“We are extremely grateful to the police and crime commissioner for realising this opportunity.”