Wiltshire Police placed in top tier for performance in national assessment

Wiltshire Police has announced it has been placed in the top tier for performance in a national assessment.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has confirmed Wiltshire Police has been placed in Tier 1 of its new Policing Performance System.

HMICFRS has stated that, whilst they may have minor, mitigated concerns about the performance of Wiltshire Police, but that they are making progress and continuous improvements. They have confirmed that no further action or intervention is required from the performance system at this time.

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: "This is a truly significant day for our organisation and is testament to our relentless focus on continually improving the service we provide to our communities.

"Joining Wiltshire Police as Chief Constable in 2023 remains the proudest day of my career. However, I joined a Force that was in the Engage process with the worst HMICFRS PEEL grading in the country.

"I knew that the incredible teams in Wiltshire Police could drive improvements and enhance the service our communities receive. I’m delighted that we continue to deliver this.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single officer, police staff member and volunteer for their focus, dedication and determination in improving our service each and every day.

"To now be in a small cohort of Forces in the top category for our performance nationally is incredible."

Today’s performance grading comes just months after the latest Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy (PEEL) report from HMICFRS, which specifically highlighted stronger performance in neighbourhood policing, emergency response, crime prevention, and the use of powers.

That report showed no regression in any of the areas inspectors graded in the previous inspection (published in 2024), with two areas – responding to the public and using powers fairly – seeing our grades improve. Our use of powers grade increased by two gradings.

However, the gradings for investigating crime and safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm remained static at ‘requiring improvement’. Wiltshire Police say they are working hard to rapidly improve this.

You can read more about Wiltshire Police's PEEL inspection here.

Chief Constable Roper said: "Our focus will be continuing to enhance the service our communities receive, ensuring we continuously improve the support we give to victims of crime and improving the quality of our investigations.

"We will do this by focusing on our three operational priorities; Safer Public Spaces, reduce and prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and improving outcomes for victims.

"I remain absolutely committed to our mission of Keeping Wiltshire Safe. By maintaining our focus on continuous improvement and working closely with our communities and partners, we will continue to strengthen our policing services and help people feel safe.

"Finally, I would like to thank our communities and partners for their ongoing support."