Wiltshire PCC responds to Met Police undercover investigation
Philip Wilkinson says restoring confidence in policing is vital and "not optional"
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner insists there is no place for misogyny, racism, or any behaviour short of those expected of officers and staff in Wiltshire.
It's after an undercover investigation revealed officers in London’s Met Police making racist and sexist comments, and boasting about using force.
Philip Wilkinson has spoken in the wake of the issues being highlighted, insisting that they're being tackled head on by Chief Constable Catherine Roper, with his full support.
The PCC said: “Recent revelations and national scrutiny have rightly reignited public concern around police misconduct, vetting and behavioural standards. I welcome this spotlight - it is essential to rebuilding trust in policing.
“The appalling and shameful behaviours shown could happen in any police force but I am confident if, and where, these are within Wiltshire Police, they are being rooted out because of the reforms that have been put in place by Chief Constable Catherine Roper - and fully supported by me."
He said everyone involved in policing needs to play their part in healing the damage to public confidence caused by the footage.
Mr Wilkinson said his position is "clear": "There is no place in policing for misogyny, racism, or any behaviour that falls short of the high standards the public rightly expect."
He added that every policing failure affects real lives and the organisation "must never lose sight of that".
“Those who abuse their position or betray the trust placed in them will be held to account. Recent dismissals of officers in our county demonstrate that Wiltshire Police is taking firm action.
“Transparency and accountability are not just aspirations here - they are active commitments from myself and the Chief Constable to tackle these issues shoulder to shoulder.
“Strong governance, a fully operational chain of command and a clear performance framework mean that all our resources and energies are focused on the mission of making Wiltshire safer, while ensuring that any signs of deviant behaviour are identified, called out and eradicated."
The PCC said vetting is a vital tool in ensuring the right people are recruited into policing, but that it alone is not enough.
"True change requires a culture of professionalism, leadership and accountability. That is why I have supported increased independent oversight and more robust processes to identify and deal with misconduct swiftly.
“Ultimately, however, it comes down to our people - their professionalism, their dedication to keeping Wiltshire safe - and their willingness to call out behaviours that fall short of our shared values. Under the current leadership regime, I believe officers and staff in Wiltshire Police are doing exactly that."
He said he and the Chief Constable remain committed to improving the service Wiltshire receives from its police Force, saying the feedback from the public is encouraging.
Mr Wilkinson said restoring faith in policing isn't an "optional" thing, declaring it "fundamental" to upholding the Force's values and keeping people safe.