Improved training facilities will better serve student police officers

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has invested in the next generation of police officers by funding improvement works of the Learning and Development facilities at Wiltshire Police’s Devizes HQ. 

Mr Wilkinson approved plans to refurbish the department in April last year as an interim solution before more major, long-term works are completed at Devizes HQ. 

He recently paid a visit to the Learning and Development facilities to see the finished improvements and spoke to trainers and student officers about how they are finding working in the newly improved facilities. 

Mr Wilkinson said: “The new Learning and Development facilities at Devizes HQ are now one of the best I’ve seen – and trainers and student officers alike feel much more motivated. 

“Ensuring the force have the right tools, equipment and facilities for the job is a main priority of my Police and Crime Plan, and also enables our force to deliver the uplift numbers that we require to maintain each year. 

“I’ve invested in the next generation of police officers who I am confident will now invest their careers into making Wiltshire a safer place to live, work and visit.” 

Work was completed to transform the sports hall and old helicopter hanger into Operational Training Facilities to enable training teams to deliver more robust, two-day Public and Personal Safety Training and First aid training courses.  

The improved space is also better equipped for scenario based training with a full black wall room set-up with padded walls and is a modern learning environment for all police officers taking courses like Taser or Method of entry. 

Classrooms in the Learning and development building also underwent extensive refurbishment, with new carpets, furniture and updated audio-visual equipment being installed in each classroom. 

Neighbouring police forces will also be able to benefit from the newly refurbished facilities as the space will be available to rent. 

David Eddy, Head of Learning and Professional Development at Wiltshire Police said: “The improvement works carried out on the facilities within Learning and Development have transformed our learning space and made it a much more inviting and supportive environment for our officers and staff to train in. It is far more appropriate for their training needs and will support our vision to become a centre of excellence. We are very grateful for the investment from the PCC. 

“This interim solution was a cost effective way to address our training needs and will now enable us to run all of our training to the highest standard, using up to date equipment for years to come. This will in turn, enable our officers and staff to get the best possible start to their careers and ensure that they provide the best level of service to our communities.” 

Applications to become a police officer are currently being accepted. To find out more, please visit Careers | Wiltshire Police 

Published Friday 15 December 2023