Thames Valley Police roll out new video response service
RVR as its known will be offered to domestic abuse victims
Thames Valley Police has rolled out its Rapid Video Response (RVR) service force wide, following a successful pilot in Oxfordshire last year and subsequent rollouts across Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, and East and West Berkshire, to improve outcomes and support for victims of domestic abuse.
RVR, provides an immediate, optional video call with a frontline officer for victims reporting non-emergency domestic abuse incidents. The Police say the service offers a faster and more flexible alternative to traditional responses, enabling officers to engage with victims sooner and more effectively.
The service is particularly beneficial for victims who may be unable to attend a police station, fear reprisals, or feel anxious about a physical police presence. By offering video contact, RVR ensures victims can access help in a way that suits their circumstances.
Since launching on 1 December, the RVR team has delivered strong results:
• 577 calls completed via RVR
• 378 cases resolved within the RVR team
• 161 cases progressed to Incident and Crime Response teams or other forces
• 17 cases referred to Domestic Abuse Investigation Units (DAIU)
RVR has been used to respond to a wide range of incidents, including assaults, sexual offences, harassment, stalking, coercive or controlling behaviour, malicious communications, computer misuse, and breaches of bail or court orders.
Police claim the service is also significantly improving response times. On average, victims are connected to an officer more than nine times faster compared to traditional deployment methods.
Feedback from victims has been overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of respondents to post-call surveys reporting they were completely or very satisfied with the service.
Immediate
Our Head of Domestic Abuse and Stalking, Detective Superintendent Holly Stockwell, commented:
“Domestic abuse can be incredibly difficult to report, and we know that the first interaction with police can shape a victim’s willingness to engage with us going forward. Rapid Video Response allows us to offer an immediate, compassionate and flexible option, helping us safeguard sooner and capture vital evidence at the earliest opportunity.
“This service is about meeting victims where they are reducing barriers, building trust and ensuring they receive the support they need in a way that feels safe for them.”
Significant
Assessment and Investigation Unit Crime Manager, Detective Superintendent, Michael Bettington added:
“The force-wide rollout of Rapid Video Response is a significant step forward in how we respond to domestic abuse. By connecting victims with an officer much faster, we are delivering a more efficient and effective service.
“It also allows us to make better use of our resources, ensuring officers are focused where they are most needed, while still providing a high-quality response through technology and supporting our work to bring offenders to justice.”
Reporting
Thames Valley Police encourages anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to report it. If you are in immediate danger and you are able to, call 999. Alternatively, if you wish to report an incident that has happened, then call 101.