PCC launches public survey on Government's proposed police reforms

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson is calling on residents across Wiltshire and Swindon to have their say on the Government's proposals for the biggest changes to policing in a generation. 

The Commissioner has today launched a public survey to gather local views on the Government's Police Reform White Paper, From Local to National: A New Model for Policing and ensure the voices of Wiltshire and Swindon residents are heard as national discussions continue. 

The Government is considering reducing the number of police forces across England and Wales from the current 43-force model to a smaller number of larger regional forces, with reports suggesting the number could fall to as few as 12. Proposed reforms also include changes to policing governance, including the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners from 2028.

The proposals also include dedicated Local Policing Areas, with ring-fenced teams of police officers and Police Community Support Officers focused on visible neighbourhood policing and local problem-solving. 

While supporters say this could strengthen neighbourhood policing and increase officer visibility, Mr Wilkinson and other policing leaders have questioned how the model would work within larger regional police forces, arguing that effective neighbourhood policing depends on strong local accountability, local decision-making and sufficient funding. 

While Mr Wilkinson supports many aspects of police reform designed to improve efficiency, consistency and specialist capabilities, he has raised concerns about the potential impact of large-scale force mergers on local policing, accountability and taxpayers.  

The survey asks residents for their views on how a regional police force could affect issues including police visibility, local knowledge, specialist capabilities, community engagement, emergency response and the ability to respond to local priorities.  

Residents will also be asked whether they support Wiltshire Police merging with neighbouring forces to create a larger regional organisation. 

Mr Wilkinson said: "Policing needs reform and there is much in the Government's proposals that I support, including stronger national standards, improved procurement, better data sharing and enhanced capabilities to tackle serious organised crime and terrorism. 

"However, bigger isn't always better. Creating large regional forces and concentrating power at the centre risks weakening the community-based policing that local people rely on and reducing local accountability.

"Neighbourhood policing works best when it is shaped by local communities and backed by direct democratic accountability. Any reform must strengthen local policing, not weaken it."

Mr Wilkinson said it was particularly important that local residents had an opportunity to contribute to the debate as the Government is not currently conducting a public consultation on the proposals. 

He added: "These proposals could shape the future of policing in Wiltshire for many years to come. Whether people support the reforms, oppose them or simply want to share their views on what matters most to them, I would encourage everyone to take part in the survey. 

"It is vital that Wiltshire and Swindon residents are heard before any decisions are made about the future of policing. I strongly believe in the founding principle that the police are the public and the public are the police, which is why local people should have a say in how policing is delivered." 

The findings will help inform the Commissioner's ongoing engagement with Government and national policing bodies as discussions on police reform continue. A summary of responses may be published, while individual responses will remain confidential. 

Residents can complete the survey online here.