'We are going in the right direction' says Wiltshire PCC after PEEL report
Wiltshire Police have been told they've improved, but there's still more to do
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) says a new police inspectorate's report into the Police's standard of work shows how far the organisation come in the last two years.
His Majesty's Inspectorate (HMICFRS) has delivered it's latest findings into the quality of policing in Wiltshire, telling the force that continued improvement is needed.
But, the report says the force has made significant steps forward since it's last Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) report in 2022, where it was rated as inadequate.
PCC Philip Wilkinson said: “Today’s report shows Wiltshire Police has come a long way since its last report in 2022."
He added that both he and Chief Constable Catherine Roper knew progress was being made in a number of areas, with confirmation of this being the force's removal from the Engage process, which see's struggling constabulary's monitored more closely, in May 2024.
Mr Wilkinson said: "It is pleasing to see this has also been recognised by His Majesty’s Inspectors and we approach this report with a level of cautious optimism."
He told Greatest Hits Radio that he knew the force was on the path to better service.
"What I'm really pleased about is that, you know, when I took over three years ago, we were rated as the worst performing police force in the country.
"We are now middling and we are going in the right direction."
Both Mr Wilkinson and Chief Constable Roper have their sights set on making Wiltshire an 'outstanding' police force.
No surprise more needs to be improved
While the report praised the positive moves forward, it's highlighted some issues that still need boosting, something the PCC was not surprised by.
"There is still much work to be done in some really key areas across the Force," he said, adding: "This will not come as a surprise to Wiltshire Police’s Leadership or the hardworking and dedicated staff, officers and volunteers, who are currently working towards significant development in those areas HMIC have identified as requiring improvement.
“Chief Constable Catherine Roper’s vision and leadership has meant changes are being delivered at pace within the Force. The focus now needs to ensure those operational improvements – the ones which the public encounter and by which they measure their policing service – are really starting to deliver in our communities.
“We want our residents to start to feel safe and not be told they are safe because statistics tell them they should," Mr Wilkinson said.
The PCC says he's still working on an updated Police and Crime Plan to be more precise about tackling specific issues in the county, such as retail crime, rural crime and domestic abuse.
But he's stressed the continued need of collaboration.
“Working together, we will further rebuild trust and confidence in our policing service and continue making Wiltshire safer.”