Wiltshire Police receives 'good' grading in annual report

7 May 2019

Salisbury Journal

WILTSHIRE Police has been praised by inspectors following its latest annual report.

Documents released reveal that the force were rated "good" at protecting vulnerable people, planning for the future, and fair treatment of the workforce.

However, report inspector Wendy Williams said that although she was "pleased with most aspects of Wiltshire Police's performance", it "needs to improve its response to serious and organised crime".

Nevertheless, the inspector did note that on dealing with vulnerable victims, Wiltshire Police is "good at understanding and identifying vulnerable people", as well as "prioritising its work to tackle serious and organised crime (SOC)".

He added: "I am extremely proud of what is being achieved.

“This year’s inspection was also undertaken during one of, if not the, most demanding and challenging years in the history of the Force.

“Of course, there is no room for complacency and to maintain these ratings I will ensure the Force continues to drive up standards both externally and internally.”

The inspection, by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), considers whether forces keep people safe and reduce crime (how effective a force is), whether these activities are sustainable and provide value for money (how efficient a force is), and how forces are ensuring their officers and staff behave fairly, ethically and within the law (the legitimacy of a force).

Chief constable Kier Pritchard said: “This annual inspection provides a clear indication that we continue to head in the right direction both in terms of the service we provide to our communities and the supportive environment we foster for our officers, staff and volunteers.

“I am particularly pleased that the inspection identified the excellent work my teams do to engage with the communities we serve – in times of cutbacks and decreasing budgets, it is more important than ever that we communicate effectively. I remain fully committed to listening to the public and being as honest and transparent as we can."