Wiltshire Police requires improvement in investigating crime and safeguarding vulnerable people but progress is being made, inspectors have found.
The latest PEEL 2025-27 report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services graded the force as requiring improvement in both areas.
Inspectors found supervision of investigations remains inconsistent. Of 85 cases reviewed, 66 were judged to have been investigated effectively. Effective supervision was present in 57 of 73 cases assessed.
The force does not yet have a clear and proactive system to monitor protective orders or breaches. Inspectors said it still relies heavily on victims to report breaches themselves.
At the end of November 2025, 217 domestic abuse cases were waiting for a secondary risk assessment. This delayed referrals to safeguarding partners.
The force was also under-recording use of force. In the year ending 31 March 2025, 8,440 incidents were recorded, but inspectors estimate the true figure should have been 9,745 – a gap of 1,305 incidents.
Despite the concerns, the report highlights progress.
Wiltshire Police was graded as good at using its powers fairly and appropriately. It was also graded good at preventing and deterring crime and antisocial behaviour.
In the year ending 30 November 2025, the force answered 90.4% of 999 calls within 10 seconds. This exceeded the national standard of 90.0%.
Positive outcomes for victims have improved. In the year ending 30 June 2025, 15.1% of outcomes for victim-based crimes were positive. The median across England and Wales was 12.2%.
His Majesty’s Inspector Kathryn Stone OBE said: “I am satisfied with many aspects of the performance of Wiltshire Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing an effective service to victims.
“The force has made notable improvements since our last inspection, particularly in its use of powers and responsiveness to the public.
“I am also pleased the force continues to focus on preventing crime, including its successful approach to early intervention with young people.
“However, there remain areas of concern, especially regarding culture, investigations and the management of vulnerability.”
She added: “In summary, Wiltshire Police is making progress, with strong foundations in leadership, financial management and prevention work.
“Continued focus on developing the workforce, improving investigation standards and safeguarding vulnerable people will be essential for sustained progress.
“I am optimistic that the plans and leaders the force has in place will help it make the improvements needed.”
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “I am pleased to see Wiltshire Police’s latest HMICFRS PEEL inspection confirms the Force has made real, credible and sustained improvements since 2022 but there is still more work to do.
“The Report shows us Wiltshire is no longer recovering from failure but is now focused on continuing its improvement journey, embedding that improvement and building long-term performance and confidence in leadership and culture.
“Inspectors have recognised stronger neighbourhood policing, improved responsiveness, with 999 calls now exceeding national expectations and better outcomes for victims.
“Importantly, the report also clearly sets out where further work is needed, particularly around investigative consistency and safeguarding.
“This is vitally important in the onward improvement journey of the Force and as the public’s voice in policing, I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account for delivery of this.
“This report marks a significant shift from where Wiltshire Police stood in 2022. While the work is not finished this inspection gives confidence that the direction of travel is right and that further improvement is already under way.”
