PCC welcomes national recognition for Wiltshire Police but says focus must remain on delivering for the public

Wiltshire Police has today been placed in Tier 1 of HMICFRS' new Policing Performance System, with inspectors recognising improved performance and evidence the force is moving in the right direction following its recent PEEL inspection.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "This is an important endorsement of the progress that Wiltshire Police has made over recent years.

"Only a few years earlier and under previous leadership, Wiltshire Police was among the poorest performing forces in the country and subject to intense scrutiny from inspectors.

“Today's assessment demonstrates just how far the organisation has come and reflects the determination of officers, staff and volunteers to deliver better policing for the people of Wiltshire and Swindon.

"I have consistently said that we should recognise progress where it has been made.

"This achievement has not happened by accident and it reflects strong and stable leadership, clear operational priorities and a relentless focus on improvement.

“It also reflects the hard work of officers, staff and volunteers who have remained committed to providing a better service to the public every day.

"As Police and Crime Commissioner I am delighted to be able to share their success, however, my priority to provide robust scrutiny, challenge and accountability on behalf of the people of Wiltshire and Swindon for their policing service remains.

"Public services should never mark their own homework. Recognition from inspectors is welcome but the real test is whether communities experience the benefits of that improvement through faster responses, stronger neighbourhood policing, better investigations and improved outcomes for victims.

"The people of Wiltshire and Swindon rightly expect a police service that answers 999 calls quickly, investigates crime thoroughly, supports victims effectively and maintains a visible presence in their communities. Those expectations do not change because of a positive inspection result.

"This assessment tells us that the force is moving in the right direction but it does not signal the end of the journey. Sustaining performance is often harder than improving it, and maintaining these standards will require the same focus, determination and leadership that has brought Wiltshire Police to this point.

"My office will continue to rigorously scrutinise performance, challenge areas where further improvement is needed and hold the Chief Constable to account for delivering against the priorities that matter most to residents.

"We know that behind every performance measure is a victim waiting for justice, a resident seeking reassurance or a community wanting to feel safer and that is why continuous improvement matters and why effective governance and oversight remain so important.

"I welcome HMICFRS's findings and I am pleased to see Wiltshire Police receiving recognition for the progress it has made.

“My expectation remains clear: this achievement must be used as a platform to go further, improve further and continue building public confidence through consistent delivery, openness, accountability and better outcomes for the people we serve.”