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Chief Constable fortnightly update to the Police and Crime Commissioner - 24 April 2026 |
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Dear Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, On Wednesday, our latest, independent inspection from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was published. The Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy (PEEL) 2025-27 report illustrates that we are continuing on our long-term improvement journey – from being graded as one of the worst performing Forces in 2022 to demonstrating sustained performance in this inspection compared to our last one in 2024. Bolstering this progress is the greater financial stability the organisation now has, allowing more investment in our operational capabilities to further improve the service to the public. It is also clear, however, where further progress is needed – which I fully recognise, agree and – with my teams – have started making the improvements necessary to ensure our service becomes ever stronger. The table below (and also available to view as an attachment) shows how our gradings have changed since being placed into Engage in 2022 right through to the 2025-27 report published this week:
Areas identified as strong performance in the latest report include: Inspectors found that Wiltshire Police is good at preventing and deterring crime and antisocial behaviour, with effective neighbourhood policing teams working closely with partners to reduce harm and vulnerability in local communities. They praised our visible community presence, use of preventative and protective powers, and targeted early‑intervention work with young people, including partnership programmes aimed at reducing serious violence Inspectors rated us as good at using powers fairly and appropriately, with improved training and oversight leading to better use of Stop and Search and stronger internal and external scrutiny When responding to the public, the report outlines significant improvements in answering 999 calls, exceeding national expectations for call handling speed (answering 90.4% of 999 calls within 10 seconds). Inspectors noted this as evidence of a more victim‑focused approach The inspection also highlighted positive progress in crime outcomes, noting a higher proportion of positive outcomes for victims than the national median, supported by improved audit and scrutiny processes within investigations. The report also outlines innovative practice around how our audit process focuses on investigation quality – from allocation to outcome, with an emphasis on learning and improvement. Areas where improvement is needed: How we are investigating crime - ensuring consistent supervisory oversight, compliance with the Victims’ Code and ensuring all opportunities are taken to keep victims of crime informed of progress with their case Improve our safeguarding of children and adults at risk of harm – inspectors have outlined several opportunities for us to streamline our processes and recording practices to best protect those who need our support Further develop our approach to organisational change, leadership culture and staff confidence. His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Kathryn Stone OBE acknowledged that the Force has already begun addressing many of these issues, including improvements to investigation audits, safeguarding oversight developing our partnerships and improving our governance. If our communities wish to read her full statement, then please follow this link. Assisting with our onward improvement is having greater financial stability. In addition to identifying nearly £8m worth of savings last year, we have already identified most of the required savings for this year, strengthened our financial discipline, and protected our reserves which allows us to better plan ahead. As always, I welcome the independent scrutiny and assessment HMICFRS provide and I will ensure we embed the learning from this report and continue to enhance the service we provide to our communities. As I outlined to our communities earlier this month, the new operational priorities I have set for the Force will ensure focus and provide the governance needed to improve in the areas outlined by HMICFRS, and – of course – deliver your Police and Crime Plan, to which you hold me to account. These priorities are: Safer Public Spaces (building upon the foundations created under this existing priority across the last three years). With a focus on: Knife crime, preventing youth offending, ASB and enhancing local policing within our neighbourhoods Reduce and prevent Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) With a focus on: Domestic Abuse, Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, Stalking and Harassment Improve outcomes for victims With a focus on: ensuring high quality investigations. My next Facebook Live event, on May 11 at 6.30pm, will be used to share more detail around these operational priorities, the HMICFRS PEEL inspection and take any questions from our communities. I will be joined by ACC Deb Smith, who leads our Frontline Policing response, and we will be also discussing the incredible contribution made by our Special Constabulary and volunteers. Our communities can submit questions for this session via this form. Our mission is Keeping Wiltshire Safe. I remain steadfast in my belief that by maintaining a relentless focus on continuous improvement, working closely with our communities and partners, we can provide the best possible policing service and ensure that our communities feel truly safe. I would thank my teams for their hard work and dedication to achieve the improvements to date, and I know that all my officers, staff and volunteers are committed to achieving our next stage of progress. Kindest regards to you, Catherine Roper Chief Constable, Wiltshire Police
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