Terms of reference: Thames Valley Police’s handling of information and intelligence relating to a serving officer arrested for sexual offences

Published on: 21 July 2023

Publication types: Ethics and accountability and Terms of reference

Police Forces: Thames Valley

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMCIC) will carry out a review of Thames Valley Police’s handling of information and intelligence relating to a serving officer arrested for sexual offences. Reference in these terms to HMCIC include references to any person acting on his behalf.

HMCIC will examine how effectively Thames Valley Police dealt with any intelligence it received in relation to the officer.

HMCIC will only consider intelligence and information up to the point of receipt of this recent allegation.

Specifically, HMCIC will examine:

  • the initial vetting procedures followed in relation to the officer. This will include the vetting enquiries carried out, the decision-making process including the recording of rationale, and the use of any risk mitigation measures. In particular, the review will consider how effectively the force assessed any adverse information identified during the vetting process;
  • how effectively the force vetting unit communicated any identified risks to the force counter-corruption unit. And how well the two units worked in partnership to agree and implement any appropriate risk mitigation measures;
  • how well the force handled, developed and supervised the management of any intelligence; self-referrals; complaints and conduct matters or other relevant information in relation to the officer; and
  • whether the counter-corruption unit or professional standards department shared any relevant information with the force vetting unit to allow them to consider the officer’s continued suitability to have vetting clearance.

Following our inspection, HMCIC will report the findings to the Local Policing Body.