Wiltshire Police Slammed as ‘Inadequate’ in Scathing HMICFRS Report
Wiltshire Police has been branded ‘inadequate’ in a brutal new report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The damning inspection, part of the nationwide PEEL programme, slammed the force for failing to respond to the public, protect vulnerable people, and plan strategically.
The report also marks several other key areas as ‘requiring improvement’ and dishes out a stark warning for urgent reform.
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard Vows to Fix Failings
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard admitted the report was “significantly concerning” but pledged to get Wiltshire Police back on track. He said, “As Chief Constable, it’s my duty to provide the policing people of Wiltshire expect, pay for, and deserve. We are already taking swift action to tackle these issues.”
Pritchard accepted the HMICFRS findings and promised a “relentless focus” on improving service. “We fully recognise the need to act quickly and will turn inspection feedback into visible changes,” he added.
He acknowledged the force hasn’t met public expectations, saying: “People join Wiltshire Police to make a difference – this report shows we must do better. Improving service delivery is my top priority.”
Action Plan Launched to Tighten Up Policing
The force has rolled out several initiatives to get things back on track:
- Setting up a dedicated taskforce to restore basics of public service, from first contact to justice outcomes.
- Ongoing training for frontline officers, supervisors and contact centre staff on spotting vulnerability and risk.
- Creating a new Volume Crime Team to professionalise investigations, improve victim care, and work closer with the Crown Prosecution Service.
- Chief Constable Pritchard personally addressed over 1,500 officers and staff in force-wide forums to outline expectations and rally support.
Positive Steps Amidst Challenges
Despite the criticism, the report highlighted some bright spots including:
- Effective work tackling violence against women and girls, collaborating with local law enforcement and prosecutors.
- Partnership with swindon/" title="Swindon" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Swindon and Wiltshire NHS providing 24/7 mental health support to officers and crisis care for the public.
- Early intervention programmes aimed at families and young people to stop crime before it starts.
- Integrated offender management aligning with national standards and community cooperation.
Chief Constable Pritchard noted huge policing challenges including the 2018 Salisbury poisonings, the Covid pandemic, recruitment struggles, and rising demands. But he insisted: “We know where improvements are needed and will work tirelessly to deliver.”
Special Oversight and Transparency Promised
Wiltshire Police has now entered the HMICFRS ‘Engage’ process, meaning regular progress reports will be submitted to the national Police Performance Oversight Group. Pritchard said this extra scrutiny and support will help speed up improvements.
He added, “We will learn from others and share progress openly with the public. Wiltshire has low crime rates but we won’t get complacent. We welcome accountability from inspectors, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the community.”
The force is determined to regain public trust, restore service standards, and prove it can meet the tough demands of modern policing.
