Police force improves but 'concerns remain'

Wiltshire Police was moved out of special measures in May

A police force previously under special measures has made "significant efforts" to improve, but some concerns remain, say inspectors.

Wiltshire Police came out of special measures in May, having been placed in them for multiple failings.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said the force had made progress, but was still concerned about how it investigates crime and protects the vulnerable.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson said the report showed the force had "come a long way".

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke said: "The force isn’t answering emergency calls as quickly as it should.

"The number of non-emergency calls members of the public abandon because they aren’t answered remains high."

He said since the last inspection, "the force has made significant efforts to improve", particularly in "preventing crime and managing offenders and suspects".

Inspectors also found the leadership and management of the force had improved, along with how it deals with domestic abuse and child safeguarding.

But they said despite improvements made to the control room, call handling remains a "significant issue" for the force.

Wiltshire Police is continuing to make improvements

The inspection also found the force was "not adequately investigating crime" and there was not "enough supervisory oversight of investigations".

Ch Insp Cooke said the force does not routinely identify victims’ needs, "which means they don’t receive the level of care they require".

Wiltshire Police’s performance was graded across nine areas of policing, finding it was good in two areas, adequate in three areas and requires improvement in four.

The force was moved into an enhanced level of monitoring in June 2022 and, following improvements, returned to routine monitoring in May 2024.

Ch Insp Cooke added: "I am reassured with how the force has responded to our concerns so far and its efforts to continue to make improvements. I look forward to continuing to work together."

'Cautious optimism'

Mr Wilkinson said the report showed the force had "come a long way" since 2022.

“Both the chief constable and I knew strides were being made to improve in a variety of areas and this was confirmed when the force was lifted from Engage in May," he 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.

“As the report highlights, there is still much work to be done in some really key areas across the force.

“Chief Constable Catherine Roper’s vision and leadership has meant changes are being delivered at pace.

"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."