Police and Crime Commissioner welcomes Wiltshire Police’s new operational priorities

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has welcomed Chief Constable Catherine Roper’s announcement of Wiltshire Police’s new operational priorities, saying they clearly reflect the concerns of local communities and will help ensure policing remains focused on safety, confidence and support for victims. 

From April, Wiltshire Police will focus on three key priorities: Safer Public Spaces, Reducing and Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls, and Improving Outcomes for Victims. The priorities will guide operational activity across Wiltshire and Swindon over the coming year. 

Mr Wilkinson said: “Policing must always be shaped by the needs and concerns of the people it serves, and these priorities reflect what residents across our communities consistently tell me matters most to them. They align closely with my Police and Crime Plan and provide a clear focus for how Wiltshire Police will continue to protect the public and support victims. 

“Keeping public spaces safe remains fundamental. Visible local policing, tackling antisocial behaviour, knife crime and youth offending, and strengthening neighbourhood teams are all essential to maintaining confidence and reassurance, particularly in our town centres, villages and rural areas. 

“Crimes such as domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence cause serious and lasting harm, often behind closed doors. Making this a core operational priority reinforces the importance of prevention, strong partnership working, effective support for victims and firm action against those responsible. 

“Coming forward to report a crime can be daunting. People deserve to be treated with care, kept informed and supported throughout the process. High‑quality investigations and a positive victim experience are not optional extras, they are essential to building trust and confidence in policing.” 

Mr Wilkinson works closely with the Chief Constable, taking account of operational advice and crime demand from the force, and both ensure Wiltshire Police’s operational priorities align with the Police and Crime Plan.

“These priorities provide clarity and direction at a time when policing continues to face significant demand and ongoing reform. As policing adapts to new expectations around standards, transparency and performance, it is vital that operational focus is clear and consistent.  

“Wiltshire’s strength as a smaller force is its ability to respond quickly, maintain strong local relationships and ensure leaders remain closely connected to frontline reality and community concerns. 

“These priorities build on the real progress already made by reinforcing visible policing, strong accountability and a clear focus on victims. They give me confidence that Wiltshire Police is using its small size to its advantage - remaining agile, community‑focused and responsive - while continuing to improve the service it provides. This approach is essential to keeping Wiltshire a safe place to live, work and visit, both now and into the future.”