Rebuilding public trust ‘critical’ to effective policing says Wiltshire Police Chief Constable
A national police assessment found tackling issues that matter to communities need to be a priority
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper says it is ‘critical’ to rebuild public trust and confidence to ensure ‘effective policing’.
The State of Policing 2022 report by His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke says forces must prioritise issues that matter most to communities and focus on getting the basics right in investigations to rebuild trust in police forces.
Ms Roper welcomed the report, saying: “I absolutely agree with the report that rebuilding public trust and confidence is critical to ensuring effective policing and it must be a priority.”
Shortly after taking the role as Chief Constable, Ms Roper established three key priority areas of operational delivery, which are: Safer Public Spaces, Violence and Burglary.
“These priority areas respond directly to the concerns of our communities and are to ensure people feel safe both inside and outside of their homes,” she said.
The Chief Constable also reiterated her ambition of keeping Wiltshire safe and remains “utterly committed” to making the required improvements within the Force, after a HMICFRS PEEL inspection graded Wiltshire Police as ‘inadequate’ in public response, protecting the vulnerable and strategic planning.
Chief Constable Roper said: “We remain utterly committed to making the improvements necessary to be trusted to consistently provide the highest possible standard of policing for the people of Wiltshire and Swindon.”