PROGRESS is being made on tackling the already low levels of corruption and misconduct in Wiltshire Police, as nationally there has been a rise the number of complaints against officers, Just one Wiltshire officer has been referred to the Crown Prospecution Service in more than eight years.

From 2006 to 2014, a total of 13 officers in the force have been investigated for corruption or misconduct in a public office and only one case was found suitable for court proceedings.

Wiltshire Police say there is now a greater confidence that issues will be taken seriously and investigated properly.

Recent HMIC reports into misconduct and integrity branded the responses in place at the force as good and commended the chief constable for actively approaching the issue.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “There were 10 more complaints reported in the Wiltshire Police area between March 2013 to March 2014 per 100 workforce compared to the average figure across England and Wales.

“Also, there was one more conduct case between March 2013 and March 2014 in the Wiltshire Police area compared to the average figure per 100 workforce in England and Wales.

“This small difference could be down to an increase in awareness in Wiltshire in how to contact the police about complaint and conduct matters and people being more aware that they can do this through various channels.

“It could also be down to more general awareness about the role of the police and how people can contact us, whether that is about reporting a crime or making a complaint.

“Our values outline the clear standards and behaviours that we expect from our staff, both in how we interact with colleagues and how we can provide the highest possible service to the public.

“We therefore consider this small rise in complaints to be a positive sign of the increased confidence that the public have in us.”

The force has been commended for the recent introduction of a People’s Intelligence Board, which focuses on conduct and integrity issues, along with proper practices in place for internal complaints and reporting.

HMI Mike Cunningham said: “When we spoke to police officers and staff it was clear that chief officer teams are demonstrating their commitment to addressing misconduct and corruption.

“Police officers were also quick to tell us that they see corrupt colleagues as a betrayal of the vast majority who are honourable, decent and hard-working.

“We found no evidence to suggest corruption was endemic but we know only too well that the corrosive nature of corruption means that even a single case can be damaging to public confidence.

“Police forces have made great strides in tackling misconduct and corruption and now they need to continue to focus on proactive, prevention work.

“Over half of police forces are not seeking out intelligence on corruption proactively. Clearly they can continue to demonstrate a culture of zero tolerance for misconduct and corruption.”