Wiltshire Police's performance in investigating crime has deteriorated, according to the police inspectorate.

The police force was placed into special measures earlier this year following concerns about its performance.

This was conducted by His Majesty's chief inspector of constabulary and Wiltshire Police was moved into a monitoring process known as Engage.

Progress was reviewed last month after a revisit from His Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary and fire & rescue services (HMICFRS).

The inspectorate specifically reviewed how the force has improved the service it provides to victims and how it investigates crime.

It was uncovered that Wiltshire Police's performance in investigating crime effectively had declined.

The inspectorate found that some investigations were not carried out in a timely manner and relevant lines of enquiry were not always completed.

Many investigations were not properly reviewed by supervisors and victims were sometimes not updated throughout investigations.

When victims withdrew support for an investigation, the force did not always consider progressing the case without the victim's support, which could safeguard them and prevent further offences from being committed.

Wiltshire Police had made progress in checking whether victims are vulnerable and improving how promptly it records risk assessments for domestic abuse victims.

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His Majesty's inspector of constabulary Wendy Williams said the force has not made "meaningful progress" in some areas.

She added: "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.

"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.” 

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Chief constable Kier Pritchard said the force is "working hard" to address areas where performance has deteriorated "immediately".

He added: “I want our communities to feel confident that we are actively addressing the areas that have been identified by HMICFRS.

“In part this latest progress report is telling us that there are some improvements and that the work we’ve done since our PEEL inspection in the summer is making some positive change.

"It is also clear that we have not yet achieved the required improvements in all parts.

“This remains a clear focus and priority for everyone across the force and we remain relentless in our efforts to improve our services.”