Performance and Measurement

Summary

Wiltshire Police serves a predominantly rural county, with nearly half of the population living in towns or villages with fewer than 5,000 people and a quarter of these residing in communities of fewer than 1,000 people. Some 2.55% of the population are from a minority ethnic background and 17% are under 20 years of age.

In 2006, the HMIC baseline assessment for Neighbourhood Policing in Wiltshire was poor. This served as a driver for change with significant investment approved by the police authority in this domain. During the spring of 2008, Neighbourhood policing and developing citizen focus policing were inspected by HMIC with an assessment of ‘meeting the standard’ made for both functions in recognition of the many improvements found.

During 2007/08, the force made significant improvements in performance. With crime investigation, the most notable improvement includes a significant increase in the overall sanction detection rate. In addition, there has been a continuous focus on improving the protection of vulnerable people, with an increase in the number of persons arrested (where a power exists) at reported incidents of domestic violence from 31.6% to 37.8% illustrating this.

The Force has also invested to increase its capacity and capability to tackle crime through the seizure of cash and assets. The number of cash forfeiture seizures has increased from 4 in 2006/07 to 22 in 2007/08, with the value of cash seizures increasing from £62,474to £143,465, for the same period. The number of confiscation orders has also increased with the value of orders increasing from £131,956 for 2006/07 to £479,761for 2007/08.

Within the local priorities set for 2007/08, the force has seen some significant improvements including an increase in the detection rates for racially aggravated crimes. In addition, satisfaction with the ease of contact has improved following some significant investment by the police authority.

Phase 1 of the HMIC inspections during 2007 drew attention to the need for improvements in Neighbourhood Policing, Protecting Vulnerable People, and Performance Management. Structured action plans were put in place, which have now been implemented; this has led to the force delivering an improved service in all these areas.

Wiltshire Police has achieved a positive direction of travel for inspection gradings. In addition to those commented upon above, the serious and major crime capability was also graded as “poor” by HMIC in 2006. Since then, significant investment has been made in these areas to address continuing work.

The Force capability for protecting vulnerable people has seen significant investment by the police authority with over £650,000 made available. A new ‘Public Protection Department’ led by a Detective Superintendent has been launched, supported by an improved joint training programme and improved facilities.

The key challenge for the force is to deliver the shared aim of making Wiltshire the safest county in the country. A significant programme of operational activity and the development of capacity and capability across all functions underpins this aim. The Force is continuing to reap the benefits of the changes made to date, which are complimented by an ambitious future change programme, including the development of handheld data terminals to enhance remote and mobile working, supporting the national workforce modernisation programme as a demonstration site and leading on aspects of the South West regional collaboration programme.