Wiltshire Police has been praised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) for high standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour.

As part of a national inspection programme, HMIC has today published two separate reports following visits to Wiltshire Police earlier this year.

One is focused on police integrity and corruption and the other relates to police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy, also known as a PEEL assessment.

Both reports were positive for Wiltshire Police, with the force being given a ‘good’ rating for the PEEL assessment.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “I am very pleased that HMIC has recognised and highlighted our on-going commitment to a ‘people first’ approach, which is very much centred on promoting and embedding a culture of high standards and ethical behaviour across the force.

“HMIC reports that we have made good process since its previous inspection into this area in 2012. This is reflective of the work we have done since then, working with our staff, to introduce a strong set of force values – honesty and integrity, professionalism, teamwork, personal responsibility and people first.

“Our values are now very much incorporated into everyday working practices, such as being aligned to our appraisal processes. We have also been very proactive in promoting the national College of Policing’s Code of Ethics.

“One area highlighted for further improvement in the inspection was for more analytical capacity in our Anti-Corruption Unit. This is something we were already aware of and are looking into adding additional resources in this area.”

Wiltshire Police was also one of only 24 forces identified as 'good' at investigating crime in this first national PEEL assessment.

Additionally the report into police integrity recognises Wiltshire Police’s recent introduction of a People Intelligence Board, which focuses on conduct and integrity issues.

It also found that staff are confident in reporting wrongdoing either to supervisors or using other methods and are aware of the need to challenge unprofessional behaviour, with additional guidance for staff on this area being raised as a suggestion by HMIC.

As part of the PEEL assessment, HMIC reported that Wiltshire Police is effective at reducing crime and preventing offending, with clear crime prevention and reduction priorities in place. It also highlighted the force’s focus on victims which is reflected in improvements in already high victim satisfaction levels.

Mr Pritchard said: “I am delighted to see the continued hard work of our officers and staff being reflected in this recent PEEL assessment.

“It highlights the wide range of ways that we work on a daily basis to prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. This includes Neighbourhood Policing Teams being a ‘strength’ in the way they engage with communities and our commitment to a partnership approach to prevent and detect crime, such as through integrated offender management.

“HMIC made three recommendations to us on the PEEL assessment around improving staff knowledge of the recently introduced Code of Practice for Victims of Crime, to further improve the quality of investigation standards and how we share learning about good practice across the force.

"We will be reviewing these recommendations and putting in place measures to further improve our standards.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “I welcome the positive assessments of the Constabulary in the two reports from HMIC.

“There is ample praise for the Constabulary for its efforts to reduce crime and prevent offending; for its investigations, its commitment to protect those most at risk; and its efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“I am pleased that the inspectors noted the commitment to a culture of professionalism and ethical behaviour.

“It is good that HMIC recognises the effective governance measures which I have established. The HMIC speaks of a ‘strong and effective relationship’ between the constabulary and my office in overseeing misconduct and integrity matters. It notes the scrutiny by my office takes in the prevention of corruption, misconduct complaints and unprofessional behaviour.

“In my view anyone reading these reports will be reassured that Wiltshire Constabulary has a strong workforce, good management and good local governance.

“Our constabulary costs the people of Wiltshire and Swindon less per head of population than almost any other police force. To consistently perform at the level of the very best, with such a low cost base, is highly creditable.”