Wiltshire Police has been identified as underperforming in multiple areas, prompting calls for swift improvements, according to a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
After evaluating Wiltshire Police's operations across eight key categories, the force was deemed 'inadequate' in three and requiring enhancement in the other five.
Inspection Findings and Areas of Concern
HMICFRS highlighted significant issues with Wiltshire Police's engagement with the public, its protection of vulnerable individuals, and its strategic planning and value for money.
Due to these inadequacies, the force was placed under the inspectorate's Engage monitoring process in June 2022. This initiative aims to provide enhanced oversight and support to facilitate necessary improvements.
Inspector's Comments on Police Performance
Wendy Williams, HMICFRS, expressed grave concerns over Wiltshire Police's operations
Wendy Williams, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, expressed grave concerns over Wiltshire Police's operations. She underscored the need for better responses to public engagement, protection of vulnerable populations, and resource management.
Wendy Williams stated, "The force is missing opportunities to protect vulnerable and repeat victims of crime. It needs to improve the way it manages victims’ calls, so that all vulnerable people are identified. Some domestic abuse victims have received an unacceptable level of service and have continued to remain at risk. The force is not supervising investigations well enough and doesn’t always follow all investigative opportunities."
Plans for Improvement and Support
Despite these challenges, Williams acknowledged some positive steps, including new strategies to combat violence against women and girls, and efforts to enhance the force's ability to understand and protect at-risk individuals.
"Given our findings, we are now monitoring Wiltshire under our Engage process, which provides additional scrutiny and support," adds Wendy Williams.
She affirmed regular communication with the Chief Constable, committing to ongoing collaboration until the necessary reforms are implemented.
