Statement released following publication of first NPCC Violence Against Women and Girls benchmark report

Further to the publication of the Tackling VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) – Police performance and insights publication released today by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills has released the following statement: 

“Between 1st October 2021 and 31st March 2022, Wiltshire Police undertook or oversaw a total of five police perpetrated violence against women and girls complaint and misconduct allegation cases.

“Misconduct in any shape or form within the police service is totally unacceptable and we are committed to rooting out corrupt officers and staff within our workforce.  We understand how much damage these individuals can do to public confidence, and will do everything in our power to ensure we build a culture and environment that is hostile to any potential perpetrators.

“The Force is 100% committed to ensuring a culture exists, where those who are entrusted to serve as police officers and staff, do so in a manner which is beyond reproach. There is no place in policing for those who do not display and live the highest professional standards at all times.  In each of the five cases, we acted swiftly to ensure a comprehensive investigation took place into the allegations reported.

“Violence is one of Chief Constable Roper’s priorities as set out just two weeks ago when she took up post here in Wiltshire, and it is vitally important that all victims of crime feel confident that they will be listened to when they report to us, and that we will take their concerns seriously. We encourage anyone who has concerns in relation to the standards of police officers or staff serving within Wiltshire Police to come forward. You can report concerns via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Today’s publication reports that within the time frame stated there were 653 VAWG-related conduct cases nationally involving 874 allegations against 672 individuals, with a further 524 public complaint cases relating to 609 allegations against 867 individuals. This equates to 0.7 per cent of the police workforce employed in March 2022.  Forty-five per cent of complaints and 74 per cent of conduct cases were still live at the time of reporting and of those that were closed, 71 per cent of conduct cases and 90 per cent of complaints concluded with no further action.

You can read the full report here: First violence against women and girls benchmark published (npcc.police.uk)