Police officers fired

An open letter to the PCC: The last few weeks have been busy.

As well as the usual response to our calls for service, we have managed the first ever protest outside of our headquarters in Devizes. This was a peaceful demonstration, and I was impressed with the community engagement focus of the policing response. We have also had a significant further arrest and charge of a second suspect for Operation Glendale, the tragic murder in Swindon in December 2022. This was as a result of an appeal through CrimeStoppers, and I am grateful to our communities for their assistance.

We have also charged three individuals in relation to a series of offences where a criminal group targeted vulnerable members of our community in the street and distracted them whilst they stole jewellery and other items. I know you and I share an absolute commitment to protect those who are more at risk, and this deliberate targeting was despicable. Others were arrested and we continue to investigate, however I am proud of the relentless focus of my team to identify and arrest these criminals.

I have now met with His Majesty’s Inspector Wendy Williams and her team to discuss the force response to the recent HMICFRS Peel report, with my commitment that we will become more focused in our delivery. We are currently preparing for the next police performance oversight group, and I will shortly provide a further update to you - and more publicly - in terms of our progress and next steps.

I am pleased to share with you the new Wiltshire Police Plan on a page. My chief officer group and I have reflected the need to deliver your police and crime plan against strong foundations and commitments. In addition to your oversight, I believe that this plan allows my officers and staff and, more importantly, our communities, to hold us to account for our delivery. Shortly, we will also be publishing more detailed metrics to support the three performance priorities for the force.

You and I will have noted the National Police Chiefs’ Council Violence Against Women and Girls report, which within the data considers police perpetrated violence. This is a difficult read, but essential.

I will not tolerate any member of Wiltshire Police who behaves in a manner which is anything other than courteous and professional, on or off-duty. This will be reinforced by the prominence of our response to VAWG-related crimes and concerns within the new performance framework. I have also dispensed with the services of two officers, as their behaviours and values fell far below that which I consider to be acceptable.

May I finally reflect that it has been an extremely important few weeks in terms of attending a number of meetings and engagements alongside you.

The Calne Area Board gave me an opportunity to meet with the local community and listen to their concerns which was invaluable, and I intend to attend future area boards around the county in due course. Attending the High Sheriff Rule of Law Service at Salisbury Cathedral was a moment of pure pride, and further reinforced how honoured and privileged I feel to be the Chief Constable of Wiltshire.

Catherine Roper

Chief Constable

Too little too late

While I'm pleased to read the Government has given the council £600,000 to help deal with potholes I can't help thinking it's a bit late.

Some roads in this town are in an appalling state and have been for a long time. Perhaps they should have been repaired before the council spent millions on over-running road schemes like Mead Way.

Ruth King

North Swindon

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