Thames Valley Police set to form new South Buckinghamshire policing area

Plans are underway to amalgamate the Chiltern and South Bucks and Wycombe local policing areas (LPAs) to become one this summer.

The decision by Thames Valley Police to amalgamate the areas comes as part of their commitment to continue delivering an efficient and effective service to the public, partner agencies and other stakeholders.

Superintendent Emma Burroughs has been appointed as Commander for both LPAs and to lead the work into the detail of the merger. Superintendent Amy Clements, who was previous Commander for the Chiltern and South Bucks area has moved into another role within the force.

Chief Inspector Gassan Shaladan will act as Deputy Commander for both policing areas, allowing Chief Inspector Rachel Patterson to take on a Change Manager role, focusing on the work to prepare for and implement the formation of one area.

Superintendent Emma Burroughs said: “Since Buckinghamshire Council’s move to become a unitary authority, a structure that is more aligned to theirs will help us to maximise the important community safety partnership with them.

"Whilst much of the detail of the amalgamation relating to internal processes is yet to be formalised, there are no plans to make any changes to our police stations and buildings or to numbers of frontline police officers and staff.

“Members of the public will not see a change in officers patrolling their local areas or responding to incidents.

“We will continue to work closely with officers, staff and our partner agencies to ensure the merger is implemented successfully and will share key updates with our local communities as this work progresses.”

MR