PCC responds to State of Policing report

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson has responded to the State of Policing 2019 report, published by HMICFRS this afternoon:

"This is a good report on the state of policing nationally.

"I'm pleased that Wiltshire Police has maintained its "Good" rating, an expectation that I have again set in the extended Police and Crime Plan, that I published last month and will now run until 2021.

"Whilst the police's role in the COVID19 pandemic may dominate the report, it draws attention to some fundamental issues that need to be addressed within policing. These include the distribution of national funding (which I have raised many times over the past eight years) and the difficulty of collaboration between forces, although the analysis of the reasons for those failures does warrant greater work .

"The report also recognises the role the police plays in issues such as mental health, something that Wiltshire Police has been working hard with partners to address.

"I'm pleased to see comment on the roles of the Home Office and National Policing Board, both of which have a role in setting the framework for a modern national police service - locally delivered and locally accountable.

"On a day on which we have heard of the excellent work done by forces across the country, including that coordinated by the South West Regional Crime Unit working with the National Crime agency, the need for better linkage between forces and the benefits derived, is starkly demonstrated."

You can read more about the State of Policing 2019 report here