THE new Police and Crime Plan, which aims to chart the course for Wiltshire Police during the next two years, was unanimously backed by the Police and Crime Panel.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson put a draft version of the plan out for public and staff consultation in July and a number of changes have been made as a result.

The document, which covers 2015 to 2017, now reduces the strategic priorities for Wiltshire Police from six to four, which include preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, protecting the most vulnerable in society, putting victims and witnesses at the heart of everything they do and securing high quality, efficient and trusted services.

Mr Macpherson said: “Much of the first plan was an introduction to the office of the PCC to give the public an awareness of our functions and responsibilities. The new streamlined plan focuses much more on the changes we want to make to reflect the world of 2015 and beyond.

“I want our focus to be on the quality of service delivered to the public rather than often meaningless targets. I want the police to chase criminals, not targets.

“The public in Wiltshire and Swindon are engaged with my office. They show that by the way they get in touch or by visiting me and my staff at various public events.

"Their involvement is important because policing needs to reflect the community it serves."

You can read the final version of the plan at www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk or request a copy to be posted to you by calling 01380 734022.