Public Survey Reveals Strong Support for Retaining Local Policing

Residents across Wiltshire and Swindon have voiced strong support for retaining local policing, according to the results of a public survey conducted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) on the Government's proposed police reform plans.

A total of 1,100 people took part in the survey, which launched in August 2026, to gather views on proposals that could see England and Wales' current 43 police forces replaced by a smaller number of larger regional organisations.  

The results show that nearly two-thirds of respondents (66%) believe Wiltshire Police should remain a standalone force. Respondents consistently highlighted concerns about preserving local policing, with three quarters (75%) believing a regional force would have worse knowledge of local communities and issues, while 71% felt it would be less responsive to local priorities.

The importance of neighbourhood policing was a recurring theme throughout the survey, as four in five respondents (80%) said it's "very important" that neighbourhood policing remains shaped by local communities and priorities, even if wider reform takes place, while 94% said this was important overall. 

Respondents also raised concerns about reform's impact on visibility and public confidence. More than two-thirds of respondents (69%) believed community engagement and trust would worsen under a regional model, while 68% felt policing visibility would decrease.  

The survey also highlighted several potential benefits of a larger regional force. Six in ten respondents (60%) believed reform could strengthen specialist policing capabilities, such as cybercrime investigation and firearms policing, while 51% felt larger forces could deliver more efficient support services, including finance, human resources and administration. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "These findings provide an important insight into how residents across Wiltshire and Swindon view the Government's proposed reforms. 

"While there is recognition that larger forces may bring benefits in areas such as specialist policing capabilities and organisational efficiency, respondents were clear that protecting local policing remains their priority.

"Throughout the survey, residents consistently highlighted the importance of local knowledge, visible neighbourhood policing, strong community relationships and accountability to local people.

"As discussions around police reform continue nationally, it is essential that the views of Wiltshire and Swindon residents are represented and taken into account. These results will help inform my ongoing engagement with Government and policing partners as proposals develop further."

In addition to the survey responses, residents also shared their views through social media engagement, with many reiterating concerns about maintaining local knowledge, protecting resources for rural communities, preserving visible neighbourhood policing, and ensuring local accountability remains at the heart of policing.  

These findings will help inform the Commissioner's ongoing engagement with Government and national policing bodies as discussions on police reform continue. 

Read and download the full report.