Policing survey under way

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson is seeking the views of the public, as researchers gather opinions from the community during a large-scale phone survey which started on Monday24 October.

Around 2,000 householders across the Wiltshire Police area will be getting a call via their landline in the coming weeks. The calls will be completed by 19 December.

A similar number of people were contacted during a phone survey in June.

Mr Macpherson said: "I was elected to represent the communities across Wiltshire and Swindon so it is important to me that I know what you think about the service you receive from your police force. I always welcome contact from the public through my website, email or on social media but the survey is a good opportunity to gather the opinions of a large number of people across the county. It gives me a better picture about the themes and specific issues and if people feel they are receiving the effective policing service they deserve. The views of the public are always important. They help to inform the Police and Crime Plan and identify the required services to commission from Wiltshire Police and partners. As I begin to review my Police and Crime plan the information we receive from the public will enable me to set priorities that continue to reflect the needs of the communities of Wiltshire and Swindon. The information gathered in the survey is shared with Wiltshire Police as it is important that we continue to work together to improve services for the public and the survey gives the Force insights into public satisfaction. However, all personal information collected during remains confidential. If you are contacted as part of the survey I ask that you please take this opportunity to give us your views."

Assistant Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, chair of the Public Service and Quality Board at Wiltshire Police said: "Through the Police and Crime Plan, this survey helps to shape the future priorities for Wiltshire Police. I would encourage residents from across Swindon and Wiltshire, if you do receive a phone call inviting you to take part please use this time to give honest feedback about the service you receive from Wiltshire Police. It is a really useful survey and directly impacts on local community policing"

The research is being conducted by a company called Information by Design and the questions should take about 15 minutes to answer.

If you receive a call and have any concerns about the validity of the caller, please call Wiltshire Police on 101.