Wiltshire Police launch Neighbourhood Policing in Action

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 06:00

Have you ever wondered what our neighbourhood officers do when they're not on the beat?

The work of a Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) stretches far beyond visible patrols so, Wiltshire Police have launched Neighbourhood Policing in Action where they will be shining a light on the out-of-sight work NPTs do to support those living and working in Wiltshire.

The force regularly hears feedback, particularly via social media, that the public would like to see an increased number of officers on patrol, and, in a survey they ran last year, 62% asked for an increased police presence.

However, the roles within NPTs are varied and challenging, with officers, staff and volunteers fully immersing themselves within local communities. In any given moment, the team could be going from supporting a search for a high-risk missing person to filling out paperwork to safeguard a vulnerable person.

Chief Superintendent Doug Downing, the Head of Local Policing, said: “Neighbourhood policing remains the bedrock of an effective police service.

“We recognise that community engagement is a critical component in preventing crime, but so too is the work being undertaken away from the patrols in our communities.

“All ten NPTs across our county are committed to working with partners and our communities to drive down crime and reduce anti-social behaviour. We want our communities to feel safe. As such, we will continue to prioritise a service that is visible and accessible.

“Our neighbourhood teams work hard to identify and address the root cause of crime and anti-social behaviour, often through preventative measures, problem solving, and engagement. We encourage the public to actively engage with officers and, where they exist, share your concerns.

“To further support our community engagement, we’ll be hosting a number of events across the summer. You can find more information about local events on the Your Area page of our website or our social media pages.”