Wiltshire PCC sets Police new targets in fresh Police and Crime Plan
Philip Wilkinson says he wants to continue the Force's journey of improvement
New targets are being set for Wiltshire's Police Force to ensure it continues on it's journey of improvement.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has revealed his latest Police and Crime Plan, which outlines how Police aim to keep Wiltshire safe.
The plan has been created with input from both the public and the Chief Constable and covers four strategic priorities:
- A Police Service that meets community needs – emphasising responsive and visible policing with a focus on public trust.
- Reducing violence and serious harm – proactively tackling domestic abuse, sexual violence, and serious organised crime and violence.
- Tackle crimes that matter to local communities – including anti-social behaviour, rural crime, and road safety.
- Improve the experience of victims and deliver justice – ensuring victims feel supported throughout the justice process.
These priorities come into action from April this year until the end of March 2029.
Mr Wilkinson told Greatest Hits Radio that the 'foundations are in place', meaning he can be more specific with the targets he sets the Force.
"We are getting better, but the Chief and I are very aware we can do better," the PCC said, highlighting: "We can certainly do better in how we keep victims informed and also how we follow up after investigations."
Mr Wilkinson is taking aim at those committing retail and rural crimes as part of his more concentrated plan, something he's constantly being informed about: "When I look at all the WhatsApp groups that I'm on, you know, it's like ping, there's another one, ping, there's another!"
Over Christmas, the Force focussed on cracking down on retail crime, making over 40 arrests.
And the PCC feels ministers in central Government don't necessarily grasp the realities of rural crime, saying it's 'always been under considered by Government'.
He said: "The threat and the harm to our rural communities, our farmers, I think is much higher than is generally appreciated by a metropolitan government.
"I've invested more in rural crime and it's not just investing, but it's being more specific in the targets that I set the force."
As the Force bids to continue on its path to being an outstanding organisation, the PCC's plan also helps hold every member of the Force to account.
Each person within the organisation has a performance framework.
The PCC said: "I hold the chief to account and she holds everybody and through the force to account.
"But that's not because we're trying to catch them out. It's because how do we help? How do we work better together? It's all to drive the improvement journey."
We can see the full Police and Crime Plan here.