Major investment being made into Wiltshire Police over the next decade
The Police and Crime Commissioner's announced more than £100m of investment into the Force's facilities
Over £100 million is to be invested into Wiltshire's Police Force across the next decade.
It follows the county's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) announcing his Estates Strategy, which incudes a £90 million redevelopment of Police Headquarters in Devizes.
The investment is designed to support the new operating model implemented by Chief Constable Catherine Roper to improve local policing services.
PCC Philip Wilkinson said: “Delivering a police service which meets the needs of its communities has never been more important – or challenging. I know residents want greater public engagement with officers, more public access and an increased officer presence at community level.
“All of this is underpinned by the importance of investment in police ‘estate’ to support the delivery of a policing service I know our residents want - and deserve."
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, the PCC told us that the current HQ had been 'neglected' for a long time.
"Where I'm right now, the place is falling down and I would think we'll only last for perhaps another five years. We need to do a major rebuild," he said.
Mr Wilkinson added: "This place has been seriously neglected.
"Nobody's been thinking long term, nobody's being thinking strategically. But now the Chief Constable and I are thinking strategically."
That strategic thinking includes the opening of stations in new parts of the county, such as Tidworth, which the PCC says now gives the force a framework of neighbourhood police teams covering the entire county.
And all of the investment this is to come over the next 10 years, in a phased approach to allow for reassessment on budgeting, political mood, technological developments and if the public are feeling the benefit, is aimed at maximising the Force's operational delivery.
"I'm an operator," the PCC said, referring to his previous military career, "We need to have a headquarters here which is designed to support the operations of Wiltshire Police force and the mission of Wiltshire Police force is to deliver an efficient and cost effective police service."
This will be supplemented by the creation of a major operations centre.
"I've never been in the headquarters that doesn't have a major operation room before," the PCC said, adding that he believes having one will improve the service officers can deliver.
Wiltshire Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: "The importance of a fully-functioning estate for my officers and staff cannot be underestimated. I believe well-placed and equipped police sites provide the base for my teams to work smarter, adapt to changing crime demand and more importantly, provide greater presence to our communities.
"I believe this strategy will enable my officers and staff to demonstrate our commitment to having a physical presence in our communities. These plans will enable us to be a modern and visible organisation who support our communities and workforce and deliver on our commitment to ‘Keeping Wiltshire Safe’."