WILTSHIRE Police chief constable Catherine Roper has set out her priorities for the year ahead alongside ongoing financial challenges facing the force.

In her latest fortnightly letter to Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, she said the force is beginning the new year building on recent progress in neighbourhood policing and strengthening engagement with communities.

Chief constable Roper highlighted this as a key area of work as the force looks to improve visibility and public confidence.

The letter also reiterates that Wiltshire Police remain one of the most underfunded forces in the country on a per-head basis.

Chief constable Roper outlined the steps being taken to manage continued financial pressures while protecting frontline services.

As part of this, residents will soon be invited to take part in the force’s precept consultation, giving the public an opportunity to comment on proposals that will help shape future funding decisions.

Despite the financial constraints, she reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining officer numbers, and said savings would instead be delivered through measures such as rationalising the police estate and vehicle fleet, as well as relying on natural attrition in non-operational roles.

Looking ahead, she identified several ongoing priorities for Wiltshire Police, including improving response times, increasing frontline visibility and further strengthening community policing.

The full letter is available to read online via the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner website.