Wiltshire Police has improved in some areas, but is still not investigating crime effectively
Wiltshire Police has improved in some areas this year, but its performance in investigating crime has deteriorated, the police inspectorate has said.
Get the report
Wiltshire Police: PEEL Cause of concern revisit letter
Earlier this year, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary moved Wiltshire Police into an enhanced monitoring process, known as Engage, because of concerns about the force’s performance.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) revisited Wiltshire Police last month to review the force’s progress, specifically in improving the service it provides to victims and how it investigates crime.
The inspectorate found the force had made progress in some areas, including checking whether victims are vulnerable more often, and improving how promptly it records detailed risk assessments for victims of domestic abuse.
However, the inspectorate said the force’s performance in investigating crime effectively had declined. It found that:
- some investigations were not carried out in a timely manner and relevant and proportionate lines of enquiry were not always completed;
- many investigations were not properly reviewed by supervisors;
- victims were sometimes not updated throughout investigations; and
- when victims withdrew support for an investigation, the force did not always consider progressing the case without the victim’s support, which can be an important method of safeguarding the victim and preventing further offences being committed.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said:
“Since moving Wiltshire Police into our enhanced monitoring process earlier this year, known as Engage, we have frequently and intrusively examined the force’s plans for improvement.
“As part of the Engage process, we revisited the force last month and found it had made progress in some areas. This is to be welcomed.
“However, the force has not made meaningful progress in other areas, including routinely checking for repeat victims, or giving victims crime prevention or scene preservation advice. We also found that its performance in investigating crime has deteriorated.
“As a result, Wiltshire Police remains in the Engage process while we continue to closely monitor its progress.”
Get the report
Wiltshire Police: PEEL Cause of concern revisit letter
Notes
- For further information, please email HMICPressOffice@hmicfrs.gov.uk or call us on 0300 071 6781.
- More information about the HMICFRS monitoring process, including Engage, can be found on our website: Our approach to monitoring forces.