Dear Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson,

It’s been a busy number of days across the country, and across our county, as the 2024 General Election has taken place. Our policing operation to ensure the safety of the public, partners and candidates across the election period went smoothly, with my officers visible across the county overnight into this morning. We will continue to link in with partners over the coming hours as proceedings conclude.

I wish to update you on some significant operational incidents over recent days:

Whilst shocking, these incidents are rare. Communities will see increased police activity in the immediate vicinities to reassure local residents and support ongoing enquiries. If anyone has any concerns or information they wish to discuss, please speak with my local teams.

This is a most abhorrent crime where a dangerous offender has impacted, in the most unthinkable way, the life of two young and innocent children over an extended period of time. Their bravery in coming forward is incredible, and their courage has meant we could prosecute and bring this predatory offender to justice. We will continue to do everything within our power to bring child abusers to justice and safeguard children and victims of abuse. I urge anyone who has been a victim to report it to us - we will believe you, and we will investigate, regardless of when the crime occurred.

At court last week, he was found guilty and sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years and required to pay costs and a surcharge. This was no doubt a terrifying incident for the female involved and I am certain that her action in reporting this incident may have prevented serious harm being caused to others. If anyone has any doubt whether the officer they are speaking to is genuine, they should call 101, or 999 if someone is feeling in immediate danger, in order to confirm their identity. Alternatively, they may confirm their identity by requesting the officer place their radio on loudspeaker and ask a member of our control room staff to confirm who they are and that they are on-duty at that time. For additional information, members of the public can visit How to check an officer's identity | Wiltshire Police

Last Thursday, I spoke at the Wiltshire Family Justice Board Annual Conference in Swindon. This was an inspiring event, with inputs from various partners and organisations. The focus was on improving the response across all partners to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), with a specific focus on the protection and support of children.  

One of my operational priorities is Violence and we continue to work closely with local partners, and your office, to ensure a multi-agency approach in our efforts to eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls. I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public, particularly women and girls, that they can report locations where they feel or have felt unsafe using the StreetSafe tool on the Wiltshire Police website. We will use this information to inform and improve our multi-agency response.

Last week was Armed Forces Week across the country, culminating in Armed Forces Day on Saturday. Wiltshire is a county with a rich military history steeped in pride and the Force has strong relationships with local military communities. Our local Neighbourhood Policing Teams were delighted to support a number of events across the county to celebrate the incredible work of those who make up the Armed Forces community. Building and maintaining strong working relationships with the military is absolutely vital in Keeping Wiltshire Safe, and I would like to thank them for their support. 

On Wednesday, I was delighted to support your launch of the Animal Welfare Scheme in Wiltshire, which helps ensure the welfare and proper treatment of police dogs. Volunteers (supported by The Dogs Trust) visit forces to check on the dogs and their living and working conditions. We take the welfare of our police dogs extremely seriously and I welcome the scrutiny and assurance this scheme will bring to ensure we continue to adhere to the very highest standards of their care. Our police dogs put their trust in us to look after them and, in turn, they carry out incredibly important and vital work to help keep the public safe, often the first in to unknown, challenging or potentially dangerous situations.

On Monday 15 July at 1830hrs, I look forward to hosting my next Facebook live event, which the public can join online through the Wiltshire Police Facebook. I invite as many members of the public as possible to join the chat and ask me any questions they may have about policing in the county. I value these regular opportunities to talk to our communities extremely highly. I will be joined again on the chat by DCC Craig Dibdin and there will be a ‘watch back’ facility for those who are unable to join but who want to catch up afterwards.

Finally, I had the honour and pleasure to - alongside you, the High Sheriff and the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire - host the Wiltshire Police Force Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening in Devizes. At the event we heard some incredible stories of the bravery and dedication of police officers and police staff who had gone the extra mile in Keeping Wiltshire Safe. We were also delighted to be joined by a number of members of the public who have demonstrated exceptional public duty in putting the needs of others ahead of themselves. These events are always such a highlight and are also very humbling, as they offer

Kindest regards,

Catherine Roper

Chief Constable, Wiltshire Police