The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss the Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report, which detailed the work undertaken over the past year. The panel was also set to review the work programme and consider the appointment of working groups.

Report of the Police and Crime Commissioner

The panel was scheduled to receive an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe, and consider his Annual Report for 2025/26. The report highlighted the office's efforts in strengthening policing, supporting victims, preventing harm, and ensuring local priorities remained central to decision-making. It noted that Warwickshire had the highest number of police officers in its history. The report also addressed significant national uncertainty regarding proposals to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners and reduce the number of police forces. It detailed the Commissioner's concerns about these reforms potentially weakening accountability and local influence. The report also covered the appointment process for a new Chief Constable following the departure of Alex Franklin-Smith.

Key areas covered in the Commissioner's Annual Report included:

• Strengthening Policing: This section detailed efforts to increase police effectiveness, including the HMICFRS PEEL inspection results, which graded Warwickshire Police as adequate in several areas but inadequate for responding to the public. It also discussed the force's Policing Plan 2025–2029, the Estates Strategy, and investments in technology, noting that Nick Clarke won an Excellence in Leadership award and Alex Taft won the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Award for the Public Sector. The report also focused on enhancing neighbourhood policing through the National Policing Guarantee, which aimed to improve public confidence and visible policing.
• Safeguarding People: This involved efforts to reduce violent crime, tackle abuse and exploitation, and reduce reoffending. Initiatives mentioned included the Theatre in Education Programme, Child Exploitation Awareness Day, and the Vaping Scars film to raise awareness of youth exploitation. The report also addressed Violence Against Women and Girls, highlighting the need for long-term funding for support services. Efforts to reduce reoffending included work on drugs and alcohol, the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme, and the Warwickshire Transitions Service for young adults at risk of offending.
• Protecting Communities: This area covered efforts to reduce theft, burglary, and robbery, with a focus on the new Warwickshire Business and Retail Crime Partnership. It also addressed responding to Serious Organised Crime through a new SOC Partnership Strategy and tackling anti-social behaviour through initiatives like Operation Resolve. The report also detailed efforts to reduce crime in rural areas with a new Rural, Wildlife and Heritage (RWH) Crime Strategy.
• Foundational Themes: This encompassed supporting victims and survivors through commissioning services and establishing a new Victims Board. It also covered crime prevention through the Commissioner's Grants Scheme and Community Safety Partnerships, as well as engaging and empowering communities through various platforms and initiatives like Your Voice In Policing. The report also touched upon equality, diversity, and inclusion, and effective partnership working.
• Sustainability, Resilience, and Value for Money: This section outlined financial priorities for 2025/26, including ensuring adequate resourcing, reducing reliance on overtime, and managing staff vacancies. It also detailed the proposed increase in the policing precept for 2026/27.

Report of the Working Groups

The panel was scheduled to receive a verbal update from the Chair of the Planning and Performance Working Group, following their meeting on 8 June 2026. This group had reportedly discussed the local criminal justice board, noting Warwickshire's positive reputation for integration and collaboration. Shoplifting was also identified as a topic for future discussion, along with workforce planning, out-of-court disposals, and court backlogs.

Appointment of Working Groups

The continuation of the Planning and Performance Working Group and the Budget Working Group for the 2026/2027 period was scheduled for affirmation, along with their respective memberships.

Local Government Reform

An update was expected regarding Local Government Reform, its implications for policing in Warwickshire, and the future of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

Work Programme

The panel was set to consider and review its Work Programme. This included standing items such as the appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chair, the Annual Report of the Police and Crime Panel, and the appointment of working groups. Potential future agenda items included a review of the constabulary's blue lights policy, an update on the recruitment of a new Chief Constable, and an invitation to the new Chief Constable to attend future panel meetings.

Dates of Meetings

The arrangements for future meetings were to be noted, with all scheduled to commence at 10:30 am at Shire Hall, Warwick, unless otherwise specified.

Complaints

The panel was scheduled to consider any complaints received and considered regarding the conduct of the Police and Crime Commissioner.