WILTSHIRE and Swindon’s Police and Crime Commissioner has lavished praise on the force following a recent inspection.

Commissioner Angus Macpherson lauded Wiltshire Police after the force received a ‘good’ rating by inspectors.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), the independent assessors of the country’s police forces, carried out the Wiltshire force’s third PEEL assessment over the past year.

The inspection is designed to monitor police performance in three categories: effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy, thus bearing the acronym PEEL.

The force was rated ‘good’ in all three categories and was praised for its success in preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour.

Wendy Williams, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, said: “I am very pleased with all aspects of the performance of Wiltshire Police. The force provides a consistently good service.

“It continues to have an effective approach to preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, investigating crime, and tackling serious and organised crime.

“The force also continues to prioritise the protection of vulnerable people. This is evident in the investments it has made in child sexual exploitation teams and multi-agency safeguarding hubs, together with better training for specialist investigators.”

Wiltshire Police was also praised for the way in which it investigates crimes and manages offenders.

PEEL is designed to give the public information about how their local police force is performing year on year.

The assessment is updated throughout the year with inspection findings and reports.

Ms Williams also commented favourably on the force’s treatment of its officers and staff.

She said: “I am very impressed with the fair and respectful treatment of the workforce in Wiltshire Police and the standards of behaviour expected of those in leadership roles throughout the organisation, which are clearly understood by those at all ranks and grades.

“The force regularly uses a variety of approaches to seek the views of staff and officers, including internal surveys, face-to-face meetings, and the chief officer’s web chats.”

In response, Angus Macpherson issued his congratulations to the force’s chief constable Mike Veale.

In an open letter to Mr Veale, Mr Macpherson said: “Behind this achievement, I fully recognise the hard work and commitment of the officers, staff and volunteers of Wiltshire Police, who serve the public with duty and dedication day in, day out.

“I know that the future will continue to bring new challenges for policing and for Wiltshire Police as you deal with many increasing threats such as cybercrime, vulnerability and increased demand for local services.

“In the face of all of this, I am confident that you and your team of officers, staff and volunteers will continue to meet the challenges head on and provide the best possible service to the public of Swindon.”