The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss a range of issues concerning policing and crime in the county. Key topics included an update on the national road safety strategy, the progress of Operation Resolve to tackle anti-social behaviour, and the annual report of the Warwickshire Joint Audit and Standards Committee. The panel also received an update on the Victims Strategy and discussed the ongoing work programme.

Police and Crime Commissioner's Report

Philip Seccombe, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, provided an update on his activities. He highlighted his national role as road safety lead, noting the publication of a new road safety strategy which includes proposals for minimum learning periods for novice drivers, mandatory eye tests for those aged 70 and above, and a lower permitted blood alcohol level. The Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is developing its own response to this consultation. Mr Seccombe also mentioned the Your Voice in Policing initiative, which recently took place in Bulkington, covering issues such as e-scooters, county lines, future funding for the force, technology in policing, retail crime, and anti-social behaviour.

Operation Resolve, an initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour, was discussed, with Mr Seccombe indicating that discussions are ongoing with chief constables about how to embed this work into business as usual following the cessation of Home Office funding. He also confirmed the launch of a new restorative justice service, delivered by Victim Support for crime-related cases and by MAX (Mediation and Community Support) for non-crime related issues such as labour and boundary disputes.

Mr Seccombe also shared details of a meeting with Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe regarding potential police force structures, noting that the Home Office's remit is to reduce the number of police forces. He acknowledged that Warwickshire, as the 43rd largest force, could be within scope for such changes. The recruitment process for a new Chief Constable has begun, with a rigorous selection process planned. Finally, he reported that all 30 grants, totalling approximately £325,000, have been awarded to individual organisations, with an additional £175,000 allocated to Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs).

PEEL Report Update

An update was provided on the HMICFRS (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services) PEEL report, focusing on the cause of concern regarding the force's response to the public. Philip Seccombe reported that performance figures for the control room were improving, with 94% of 999 calls answered within 10 seconds and an average final response time of 2.29 minutes for 101 calls. Abandoned call rates have reduced from over 40% to under 20%. Councillor Keith Kondakor raised a concern about a specific case where a drink-driver was not charged, questioning the effectiveness of back-end processes. Mr Seccombe explained that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) requires sufficient evidence for charges, and that the force is working to improve evidence gathering. Emma Daniell, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, confirmed that learning had been taken from the specific incident raised.

Warwickshire Joint Audit and Standards Committee Annual Report 2025

John Anderson, Chair of the Warwickshire Joint Audit and Standards Committee (WJASC), presented the committee's annual report for 2025. He highlighted that the committee, which comprises five independent members, provides assurance over the governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Chief Constable. Mr Anderson noted that external auditors had provided clear audited opinions on the statutory accounts and value for money arrangements, and internal auditors had provided substantial opinions. The committee undertook nine deep dive reviews during the year, covering areas such as performance management, information assurance, and communications in a crisis. Mr Anderson also commented on the potential abolition of PCCs, expressing concern that the current robust governance arrangements might be lost. The committee's focus for the coming year includes police reforms, performance management, records management system changes, and culture and standards.

Operation Resolve (ASB) - Output Information

Philip Seccombe provided an update on Operation Resolve, a Home Office-funded initiative to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence through targeted patrols. The operation, which received £1 million annually, involved patrols by Warwickshire Police, Warwick District Council Community Wardens, Stratford-upon-Avon Business Improvement District (BID) Wardens, and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. Hotspots were identified through crime data analysis, and in 2024/25, over 10,600 additional patrol hours were delivered. While ASB decreased in hotspot areas, there was evidence of displacement to bordering areas. Serious violence also saw a force-wide decrease, with a greater reduction closer to patrol locations. For 2025/26, over 18,600 patrol hours were delivered. The Home Office has announced that the Hotspot Action Fund will not continue, and the expectation is that hotspot patrolling will become business as usual. Warwickshire Police has appointed Inspector David Kettle as the dedicated lead officer for ASB and published an ASB Action Plan.

Victims Strategy – Update Following First Meeting

Emma Daniell, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, provided an update on the Victims Strategy. The strategic board, established to provide oversight and challenge, aims to improve outcomes for victims and is aligned with the wider Police and Crime Plan. The board has conducted a victim needs assessment and formed a victim lived experience subgroup with 38 participants. The strategy also focuses on hidden victims, such as families affected by serious road collisions or those impacted by a family member's arrest for online child imagery offences. A working group is ensuring compliance with the Victims Code. The first board meeting was well-attended, and feedback was positive. Future work will focus on how to translate lived experience into tangible improvements in victim services.

Report of the Working Groups

Andrew Davies, Chair of the Planning & Performance Working Group, reported on the group's discussions. These included the local criminal justice board, where Warwickshire was recognised for its best practice in integration and collaboration. The group also discussed out-of-court disposals and court backlogs. A deep dive into shoplifting is planned for later in the year, and workforce planning was also touched upon.

Work Programme

The panel reviewed its work programme. Items to be added include an update on the ASB report for October, and a discussion on the impact of police running on blue lights for non-emergencies. The panel also discussed the process for appointing a new Chief Constable and the potential need for a special meeting to accommodate the confirmation hearing. An invitation for the new Chief Constable to attend a future panel meeting to discuss their first 90 days in post was also agreed.

The next meeting of the Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel is scheduled for Monday 15 June 2026.