Wiltshire PCC says reform in the criminal justice system is needed – but victim safety and justice must come first

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson has responded to the Independent Sentencing Review, led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke.

While recognising the review’s intention to ease pressure on the prison system through rehabilitation-focused reforms, Mr Wilkinson stresses that the safety of victims and the public must remain the top priority.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Rehabilitation plays a vital role in reducing reoffending and I absolutely support practical initiatives which give offenders a chance to turn their lives around – but this must never come at the expense of community safety or justice for victims.”

He added that concern remained over the early release of those convicted of serious offences:

Mr Wilkinson continued: “For violent and sexual offenders, prison is not just a punishment – it is also essential for protecting the public. Any proposals for early release must be treated with great care and scrutiny.

“There is always a case for balance when reforming a system like the criminal justice system and we must not forget why it was set up – to provide justice and to ensure victims are protected.

“We must also be cautious not to introduce sweeping changes that risk undermining public confidence in the justice system or trample over the rights of victims.

“Anyone convicted of serious sexual assault and domestic abuse must feel the full force of the law and should be rehabilitated. And, of course, I support the prompt removal of all foreign offenders following their custodial sentences, provided it is done within the law.”

Alongside his views on sentencing reform, Mr Wilkinson reiterated his unwavering commitment to victims of crime and outlined several steps already underway to improve support services and community safety across Wiltshire.  

This significant investment directly delivers the priority 4 in Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Plan 2025-29: Improving the Experience of Victims and Delivering Justice.

A total of £2.65M, made up of £1.45M from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and £1.2M from PCC’s commissioning budget. will be spent on overseeing and managing commissioned victim’s services in Wiltshire and Swindon in 2025/6.
Community Action Fund: Grants have been awarded to local charities – including youth organisations – to support early intervention projects and help victims recover and rebuild their lives. These initiatives aim to reduce crime and reoffending by supporting vulnerable groups.
Innovative Approaches: Wiltshire Police is trialling technology such as robotics to speed up victim communications, improve service quality, and enhance the timeliness of updates. Victim satisfaction levels are also being closely monitored to drive further improvements.
Mr Wilkinson added: “Supporting victims at their most vulnerable is a cornerstone of my role and a key focus of my police and crime plan. We must ensure that any change in our justice system puts victims first and keeps our communities safe.”

As part of his commitment to Priority Four of the Police and Crime Plan, Mr Wilkinson is also investing significantly in efforts to reduce reoffending and support offender rehabilitation.

Through the Criminal Justice and Reducing Reoffending Portfolio, the PCC has allocated £1.396 million for 2025-26, including £0.877 million for custody healthcare, ensuring offenders receive appropriate support from the point of arrest through to reintegration into the community.

From mental health and substance misuse services to employment, the OPCC’s commissioning portfolio helps deliver a whole-system approach to managing risk and reducing harm.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Supporting individuals to break the cycle of reoffending is not only about compassion – it is about public safety. Every offender successfully rehabilitated is a step towards fewer victims and safer communities.

“That is why I have committed funding and resources to services that deliver real, lasting change.

“To be effective, this must be a shared effort - I urge government to ensure our probation services, police, and local partners are properly resourced to supervise and support those who are serving their sentence in the community.

“Without that investment there is a risk of undermining public confidence and putting community safety at risk.”

Mr Wilkinson also renewed his call for victims and witnesses of crime to report incidents to the police – no matter how minor they may seem.

He said: “If we don’t know about it, we can’t deal with it. Every report helps build a clearer picture of where and how crime is affecting our communities.

“It is vital for improving police visibility, tailoring local patrols, and delivering justice. Please don’t stay silent.”

Published 23 May 2025