New data hub will hold police accountable - PCC

Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber said the data hub was about being "transparent"

Crime statistics can now be searched on a new data hub launched by a police and crime commissioner (PCC).

Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber funded the hub, which will be updated every quarter and broken down into local council areas as well as crime type.

The initiative is designed to improve the accessibility and availability of local crime data.

Mr Barber said the data would help him hold Thames Valley Police accountable, as well as for the public to hold him accountable.

He said the data hub would give Thames Valley residents easier access to data on reported crime rates, 999 and 101 call volumes and response times, to improve public trust and confidence.

He said it would be displayed in an easy-to-understand format.

"This is a resource base for the public and also, from my perspective, to help have that one version of the truth, holding the force to account, to make sure we get best performance for policing that we can in the Thames Valley," he said.

The hub, where possible, will also provide national comparisons for context and will show when crime rates have increased or decreased, he added.

"This is just about being transparent and open to the public," he said.

"It's important that I use that information to hold the police to account, and of course I'm accountable to the public, so it's really important we share that information as clearly and as easily as possible."