Celebrating five years as Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson has reflected on his time in the job, describing it as “defined by transformation, challenge and progress in local policing and community safety.
Since taking office in August 2021, the Commissioner has overseen a significant period of change in Wiltshire Police‘s recent history from recruiting Chief Constable Catherine Roper in 2023 to overseeing the force’s successful exit from special measures in 2024.
Mr Wilkinson has taken the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the obstacles faced over the last half-a-decade, and look ahead to the opportunities and further challenges that lie ahead.
He said: “Five years ago, we set out with a determination to ensure communities across Wiltshire and Swindon received the policing service they deserved. The journey has not always been straightforward. We have faced significant challenges, but we have also achieved significant change.
“The recruitment of Chief Constable Catherine Roper and the subsequent removal of Wiltshire Police from special measures represent major milestones in our improvement journey. They demonstrate what can be achieved through strong leadership, clear accountability and the dedication of officers, staff and volunteers.
“Today, Wiltshire Police is a stronger organisation than it was five years ago. While there remains more work to do, we can be proud of the foundations that have been built and the progress that has been made.”
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Successes during Mr Wilkinson’s tenure include strengthening partnerships across local government, health, education and the voluntary sector, helping to tackle issues such as violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour, serious violence and exploitation.
Funding was also secured through programmes including Safer Streets, Anti Social Behaviour Hotspots and wider violence reduction initiatives, helping support preventative work in communities, ensuring intervention takes place before crime occurs.
Looking ahead, Mr Wilkinson said: “The past five years have been about demonstrating that meaningful change is possible when there is a shared commitment to delivering better outcomes for our communities.
“From strengthening neighbourhood policing and improving support for victims, to recruiting a new Chief Constable and seeing Wiltshire Police emerge from special measures, we have made significant progress.
“But our work does not stop here. Policing is entering a new era of reform, with significant changes proposed nationally to how forces operate, how they are governed and how they respond to the increasingly complex challenges facing our communities.
“The future of Police and Crime Commissioners is also changing, and while the structure of governance may evolve in the years ahead, the principle must remain the same. Local communities deserve a strong, independent voice championing their priorities, holding policing to account and ensuring victims remain at the heart of decision making.
“As we look ahead, my focus remains firmly on building on the progress we have made across Wiltshire and Swindon. We must sustain the improvements within Wiltshire Police, continue delivering the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan and ensuring residents receive the high quality policing service they expect and deserve
“We have come a long way, but our ambition remains unchanged. While the future role of the PCC may be uncertain, I will maintain my commitment to the job until an effective alternate management process is in place and continue to build a police service that residents can trust, rely upon and be proud of, while ensuring Wiltshire and Swindon remain safe places to live, work and visit.”
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