Criticism of Police Chief for 'Misleading' CCTV Statements

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) has been accused of speaking prematurely after claiming that local councils had declined to join his initiative to modernize the countys CCTV infrastructure. Matthew Barber stated that the upgrade could not proceed without the support of Oxfordshires councils, noting that only West Oxfordshire District Council had agreed to participate.

However, several councils told the BBC they were still evaluating the proposal. Georgina Heritage, from South Oxfordshire District Council, said, The PCC has jumped the gun on his own deadline in the press and on social media.

Mr Barber defended the plan, arguing it would save councils money over time while providing updated equipment and extended operating hours. Currently, local councils manage CCTV in their respective areas and would need to contribute financially alongside the PCCs proposed investment of around 275,000.

The scheme aims to centralize CCTV operations under police control, improving coordination with officers on the ground, similar to initiatives previously implemented in Milton Keynes and Slough.

Ms Heritage, who is cabinet member for communities, stated that discussions with officials were ongoing. Our cabinet has agreed in principle, and we have been negotiating in private to secure the best outcome for our area, she said. She highlighted that the council already maintains an effective CCTV network and recently invested 160,000 in upgrading town centre cameras.

While supportive of potential benefits, she noted the new hub would involve substantial ongoing costs for participating councils.

Bethia Thomas, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, expressed surprise at media reports implying councils had rejected funding. We have been engaged in open and constructive dialogue to reach a workable solution, she said, emphasizing the councils focus on cost responsibility, staff protection, and consensus-building before signing contracts.

Lubna Arshad, cabinet member for a Safer Oxford at Oxford City Council, criticized the PCCs statement as inaccurate, while Rob Parkinson from Cherwell District Council said it was misleading to claim the council had refused funding. Both stressed their commitment to working with Thames Valley Police on CCTV upgrades.

Despite the controversy, Mr Barber told the BBC he remained committed to the project. He indicated that missed deadlines might lead to reallocating funds to other initiatives, although West Oxfordshire would still receive its allocation if the partnership continued. I still hope we can deliver the project overall. This is about the long term, not just about the one-year transition funding, he added.

Author: Benjamin Carter