New Chief Constable writes open letter to PCC

You can read the letter below:

Dear Police & Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson,

This week, I have had the honour of commencing in the role as Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.

Policing is a privilege, and to lead a force with such a proud history is a responsibility I assume with respect, humility and a commitment to provide the best possible policing service across the county – all focused upon our mission ‘Keeping Wiltshire Safe’.

I thought it may be useful to provide you with an overview of some of the action already undertaken by my Chief Officer Group, even in these early days of my leadership as Chief Constable.

On my first day in post, I was able to share my priorities for Wiltshire Police with the public via TV, print and radio media, with my messages reaching thousands of residents through these means. I have also had the pleasure of speaking directly to over 1,000 officers and staff virtually, and I am making it a priority to get around the Force area over the coming weeks to meet my teams, communities, partners and stakeholders.

In terms of operational principles for the Force, my Chief Officer Group have agreed that the Force must be efficient and effective in its approach. I have already required a review of each responsibility area to ensure that our systems and processes can be streamlined and impactive – taking unnecessary demands out of the system, and ensuring our police officers, staff and volunteers can maximise their time working within communities, and with our partners and stakeholders.

I have established three key priority areas for operational delivery: Safer Public Spaces, Violence and Burglary I will be expecting my teams to provide the best possible response to all demands for service, but these three areas will be our focus. I recognise the strides forward made under the principles of ‘Victims, Investigations, Vulnerability’ previously established within Wiltshire Police.

However, I believe these need to be applied in a more focused manner in order to be most effective. In support of the Police & Crime Plan, these priority areas
will respond to the concerns of our communities – and ensure people feel safe both inside and outside of their homes. I will be keen to discuss this in more detail with you over the coming weeks, as we establish the metrics by which we will measure our performance in these areas.

I am conscious of the need to ensure greater focus and drive against the recent HMICFRS grading and my responsibilities under the ‘Engage’ process. To assist in accelerating the embedding of the recommendations into the foundations of Wiltshire Police, I am appointing, on a temporary basis, a dedicated Chief Officer lead who will have the sole responsibility of driving significant progression of our response to the causes of concern. This role will report directly into me so I can personally ensure that there is greater traction and clarity of the improvements being made, which is essential to providing the best possible policing service to the people of Wiltshire and Swindon and building trust and confidence in our Force.

Finally, may I reflect on how much I am looking forward to working with you in the delivery of your Police & Crime Plan and supporting you in your role as Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon.

Kindest regards,

Catherine Roper
Chief Constable
Wiltshire Police