Wiltshire Police have come under intense scrutiny after shocking figures revealed the force has referred itself to the police watchdog an astonishing 46 times over the past five years. The statistics, obtained through Freedom of Information requests, paint a concerning picture of a force repeatedly investigating its own conduct.
Pattern of Self-Referrals Raises Alarm
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it has received dozens of referrals from Wiltshire Police between 2019 and 2024. While not all referrals result in formal investigations, the sheer volume suggests systemic issues within the force that demand urgent attention.
A police source familiar with the matter described the numbers as "unusually high" for a force of Wiltshire's size, raising questions about whether this represents exceptional transparency or concerning patterns of behaviour.
High-Profile Cases Under Microscope
Among the most notable cases that prompted IOPC involvement was the force's controversial investigation into former Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath. The controversial operation, which examined historical allegations against the late PM, cost taxpayers approximately £1.5 million and attracted widespread criticism.
More recently, the force has faced scrutiny over its handling of several sensitive investigations, though specific details of many referrals remain confidential while assessments continue.
What Police Watchdog Involvement Means
The IOPC becomes involved when police forces refer cases involving serious allegations, including:
- Deaths following police contact
- Serious injuries sustained during arrests
- Allegations of corruption or misconduct
- Racism or discrimination claims
- Use of force incidents
Force Response and Accountability
Wiltshire Police have acknowledged the referrals but maintain they demonstrate the force's commitment to transparency and accountability. "We take our responsibility to uphold the highest standards seriously," a spokesperson stated.
However, policing experts argue that while self-referral is a positive mechanism in principle, excessive numbers may indicate deeper organisational problems that require addressing at source.
The Home Office has declined to comment specifically on Wiltshire's situation but emphasised that all police forces are expected to maintain the highest professional standards and cooperate fully with watchdog investigations.
Broader Implications for UK Policing
This case comes amid growing national concern about police conduct and accountability. Several forces across England and Wales have faced criticism over their handling of misconduct allegations and the effectiveness of internal oversight mechanisms.
As the IOPC continues to assess recent referrals from Wiltshire, questions remain about whether this represents a temporary spike or reflects ongoing challenges within the force that require more fundamental solutions.
