Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner responds to Panorama investigation

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has issued the following statement following the broadcast of Panorama: Undercover in the Police, which revealed evidence of racism, misogyny and officers appearing to celebrate the use of force at Charing Cross police station.

The Commissioner has acted to reassure Wiltshire’s communities that issues such as those highlighted last night are being – and have been – tackled head-on by Wiltshire Police.

The Force’s approach brings together robust vetting, a strengthened professional culture and independent oversight. OPCC-led scrutiny panels, custody inspections, independent audits and a transparent complaints process all help to ensure that any misconduct is quickly identified and dealt with.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Recent revelations and national scrutiny via Panorama have rightly reignited public concern around police misconduct, vetting and behavioural standards. I welcome this spotlight - it is essential to rebuilding trust in policing.

“The appalling and shameful behaviours shown could happen in any police force but I am confident if, and where, these are within Wiltshire Police, they are being rooted out because of the reforms that have been put in place by Chief Constable Catherine Roper - and fully supported by me.

“Public confidence in policing has been damaged and we must all play our part in restoring it. In Wiltshire, my position is clear: there is no place in policing for misogyny, racism, or any behaviour that falls short of the high standards the public rightly expect.

“Every failure in policing affects real lives - especially women, girls and marginalised communities - and we must never lose sight of that.

“Those who abuse their position or betray the trust placed in them will be held to account. Recent dismissals of officers in our county demonstrate that Wiltshire Police is taking firm action.

“Transparency and accountability are not just aspirations here - they are active commitments from myself and the Chief Constable to tackle these issues shoulder to shoulder.

“Strong governance, a fully operational chain of command and a clear performance framework mean that all our resources and energies are focused on the mission of making Wiltshire safer, while ensuring that any signs of deviant behaviour are identified, called out and eradicated.

“Vetting is an essential safeguard and Wiltshire Police has strengthened its processes, but vetting alone is not enough. True change requires a culture of professionalism, leadership and accountability. That is why I have supported increased independent oversight and more robust processes to identify and deal with misconduct swiftly.

“Ultimately, however, it comes down to our people - their professionalism, their dedication to keeping Wiltshire safe - and their willingness to call out behaviours that fall short of our shared values. Under the current leadership regime, I believe officers and staff in Wiltshire Police are doing exactly that.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my duty to hold the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of an efficient and effective police force. All the statistics I see, and the increasingly positive feedback I receive from our residents, tell me that Wiltshire Police is not only making Wiltshire safer but that people are starting to feel safer.

“Together, the Chief Constable and I remain committed to doing more - finding further efficiencies, improving governance and strengthening public trust.

“Restoring trust and confidence is not optional - it is fundamental to policing. Wiltshire Police is on a clear path of change and I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure that standards are upheld, women and girls are protected and every member of our community can have confidence in their police service.

“However, I am confident that under Chief Constable Roper’s leadership, all necessary measures are in place to ensure any deviant behaviour is identified early, called out immediately and dealt with through the Force’s robust disciplinary processes.”