Wiltshire Police Slammed as ‘Inadequate’ in Shocking HMICFRS Report
Wiltshire Police has been branded “inadequate” in a damning new report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The force was heavily criticised over its failure to respond promptly to the public, protect vulnerable people, and plan strategically.
The latest Police Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Legitimacy (PEEL) inspection revealed serious shortcomings, with several areas flagged as “requiring improvement.” The report also sets out a number of recommendations aimed at raising the force’s standard of service.
Chief Constable Pledges Action Amid Public Outcry
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard admitted the findings were “significantly concerning” but vowed to get Wiltshire Police back on track. “As Chief Constable, it is my responsibility to provide the local policing services the people of Wiltshire expect, pay for, and deserve,” he said. “I accept the HMICFRS findings and their recommendations and am already taking prompt, comprehensive action to address them.”
He added: “Despite hard work by our officers, staff, and volunteers, we have much more to do in core service delivery. We understand the disappointment these findings bring but remain steadfast in our commitment to improve immediately.”
Urgent Changes Underway to Restore Public Confidence
Several key initiatives are already in motion to overhaul how Wiltshire Police operates:
- Launching a dedicated action taskforce to rebuild the fundamentals of public service from first contact to justice delivery.
- Providing ongoing, focused training for frontline officers, supervisors, and Contact Centre staff—boosting skills in spotting vulnerability, harm, and risk.
- Introducing a Force-wide Volume Crime Team to professionalise investigations, improve victim communication, and work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.
- Engaging frontline personnel directly via forums—Chief Constable Pritchard personally addressed over 1,500 Wiltshire Police members to underline expectations and rally commitment.
“Our officers are deeply saddened by the inspection results but recognise what must be done. I have every confidence they will help drive the improvements our communities need,” Pritchard stated.
Positive Steps and Ongoing Challenges
While the report highlights serious problems, it also acknowledged positive work by the force, including:
- Effective collaboration tackling violence against women and girls with local law enforcement and prosecutors.
- A partnership with swindon/" title="Swindon" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Swindon and Wiltshire Health Care NHS Trust providing 24/7 mental health support to officers and crisis care for individuals.
- Early intervention programmes focusing on children and families to prevent crime.
- An integrated offender management scheme aligned with national policies that encourages partnership working.
Pritchard pointed to wider pressures hitting policing nationally, including the 2018 Salisbury poisonings, COVID-19, accelerated recruitment challenges, and rising demand complexities. “Nonetheless, we know exactly where we need to improve and are working tirelessly to make it happen,” he said.
Wiltshire Police Enters ‘Engage’ Process for Support and Oversight
As a result of the report, Wiltshire Police has been placed in the HMICFRS ‘Engage’ process, requiring regular progress updates to the Police Performance Oversight Group. Chief Constable Pritchard welcomed this extra support.
“Learning from other forces and applying best practices benefits our communities. We’re eager to embrace the support package and are committed to transparent progress updates online,” he said.
He stressed Wiltshire is not alone; several other forces face similar scrutiny. The ultimate goal is “a better, more consistent policing service” for all.
Low Crime Rate, High Accountability
Despite Wiltshire boasting one of the lowest crime rates nationwide, the force refuses to become complacent. Pritchard promised transparency and accountability both to the inspectorate and, crucially, the public.
“We take this report seriously and are already making progress. We remain steadfast in doing everything possible to meet the public’s needs,” he concluded.
