Steps to restore public confidence in policing underway in Wiltshire

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed moves for police forces to check existing staff and officers against national police databases and plans by the Home Office to strengthen vetting standards for police officers and staff.

PCC Philip Wilkinson said restoring the public’s trust in policing is a key priority for him and Wiltshire Police and steps were already being taken in Wiltshire to ensure the county’s communities could have confidence in the Force’s police officers and staff.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Wiltshire’s communities have my assurance that working together, the Chief Constable and I, are determined to ensure that all officers and staff hold themselves, and are held to, the highest professional and personal standards.

“We have many professional and dedicated officers within Wiltshire but any good work they are doing is constantly being tainted with the criminality of others.  

“I absolutely agree with the need for Wiltshire Police to review its officers and staff as they would with our new recruits – this is already in motion within the Force and is a positive first step in ensuring our communities can trust those working to protect them.

“My office is also already working with the Chief Constable to also conduct a review of all existing misconduct cases within Wiltshire Police to ensure each is being managed thoroughly and effectively.

“This is in parallel with an information campaign to ensure officers are aware of the standards expected and can report instances where that expectation hasn’t been met.

“Wiltshire Police has also just completed its first frontline supervisors’ course for officers and staff at which standards of behaviour expectations are set, alongside a code of conduct to which those supervisors will hold their staff to account. It is at that level that professional, and personal standards, are first set and the force’s culture further established.

“There is no place within Wiltshire Police for those who wish to harm and abuse their position of power – any found lurking will be rooted out. There is also no place for those in charge to turn a blind eye to any level of unacceptable behaviour.”

Mr Wilkinson’s comments come in the wake of the latest court case which has rocked policing and exposed David Carrick, a serving police officer, for perpetrating a campaign of serious sexual offences against women spanning an 18-year career in the police service.

Mr Wilkinson said he was appalled and dismayed by the Carrick case, saying his actions again demolished any confidence being restored in the wake of the Sarah Everard murder at the hands of another serving police officer.

“The Carrick case is abhorrent and my thoughts are with his victims who had the courage and bravery to put a stop to his depraved behaviour, Mr Wilkinson said.

“Cases involving a police service employee undermines the good work of the vast majority, chipping away at public confidence, and enough is enough.

“Any moves to ensure the strengthening of the vetting standards and procedures – nationally and locally – are to be applauded. My office and the Chief Constable are looking at these on a local level and we will challenge and change those procedures where necessary.

"I have made it abundantly clear that we need to ensure Chief Constables have the power they need to remove criminality and corruption from within their own ranks, where it exists. I am determined to make sure every officer can be trusted by Wiltshire’s communities.”

Published Thursday 19 January 2023