On 2 June 2025, the executive delegation from the Center for Crime Science, Royal Police Cadet Academy, visited Thames Valley Police (TVP) to engage in a knowledge exchange program and officially sign a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the International Police Association (IPA), United Kingdom. The agreement aims to strengthen international cooperation in the fields of crime science and evidence-based policing.
Following the signing ceremony in the morning, the delegation participated in structured knowledge exchange activities starting with an introduction to TVP’s organizational structure, which emphasizes decentralized management, community collaboration, public trust-building, and data-informed policy-making.
The delegation gained insights into the implementation of problem-oriented policing approaches, especially through the CHEERS and SARA models, which are used to address persistent community issues such as antisocial behavior and crime hotspots. Officers shared practical experiences from frontline operations, supported by crime analysts and local stakeholder networks. The delegation also gained an understanding of internal planning meeting frameworks, which serve as a crucial mechanism for prioritizing issues and formulating effective response strategies.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Service Improvement Unit, which is responsible for case reviews, including the fatal incident at Forbury Gardens. The visit provided valuable lessons on system failures, risk management, and interagency coordination. Participants discussed the use of data tools, multidisciplinary collaboration, and institutional learning to strengthen investigative procedures and service quality.
The session was honored by participation from academic and professional experts including Dr. Kamil Yilmaz (Swansea University), Dr. Tuncay Durna (Buckinghamshire New University), Dr. Ahmet Celik (Global Centre for Security Studies), Dr. Ahmet Duran Bitmez (Rutgers University), Dr. Kutluer Kandemir (Teesside University), Dr. Fatih Vursavas and Dr. Fatih Irmak (IPA), and Ms. Karen Duckworth (Vice President, Social and Culture, IPA UK). These experts play key roles in advancing international academic collaboration and enhancing police capacity through knowledge exchange and research.
Beyond strategy and structure, the discussions also explored current policing challenges such as community violence and cybercrime, which closely mirror issues in the Thai context. The exchange not only fostered mutual understanding but also laid the groundwork for future regional cooperation, especially in the ASEAN context.
The signing of the LoI with IPA and the knowledge exchange with TVP represent a significant milestone in building an international network dedicated to developing training programs, co-developing knowledge resources, and implementing best practices in policing. The Center for Crime Science plans to integrate the knowledge gained into domestic training activities, the creation of practice guides, and the promotion of problem-oriented and evidence-based policing within Thailand and the wider region.
