SUPPORT for vulnerable people by Wiltshire Police has been recognised in a report into how the police force is caring for the community.

The force gained ‘Good’ grades across the board in the police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy report which reviews the country’s forces every year.

Call room and front line staff were praised for their knowledge of mental health and ability to work with mental health experts to identify people who might be vulnerable.

Specialist teams exist for domestic abuse, child abuse, safeguarding adults, and human exploitation and trafficking.

Although domestic abuse investigations were being carried out, the force accepted that more work needed to be done to increase the number of convictions for domestic abuse cases.

The report also found that the force supported its own officers and took steps to ensure that mental health within the force was well supported. This included carrying out team events for their wellbeing and measuring caseloads.

PCC Angus Macpherson welcomed the report and said he was pleased with the findings.

Mr Macpherson said: “This report makes for very positive reading and I am pleased the Force has retained its ‘Good’ grading. It rightly acknowledges those in the Force who work so hard, and continue to work hard to achieve this.

“One of my priorities is to put victims, witnesses and communities at the heart of everything we do.

“The world of policing is diversifying and I’m proud in which the way our Force continues to go above and beyond to meet these challenges.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: “Wiltshire Police is outstanding at identifying and supporting people experiencing mental health problems.

"It works exceptionally well with partner organisations through comprehensive and well-established meetings to ensure that continuing support and specialist safeguarding arrangements are in place for vulnerable people, including those who have experienced domestic abuse.”

The report found there have been a three per cent drop in anti social behaviour related crime but an 11 per cent rise in overall crime reported between June 2016 and June 2017.