A MAJOR shake-up of policing in Wiltshire has been announced today.

The new Community Policing Model will combine neighbourhood and response teams in a bid to improve the service.

Wiltshire police commissioner Angus Macpherson has agreed the new model with chief constable Mike Veale, after a successful trial in Trowbridge, Warminster, Bradford on Avon, Westbury, Tisbury and Mere.

The Community Policing Team model will now be applied to the whole county, combining the separate neighbourhood policing and response teams, for a “one team” approach.

Staff and officers from other departments, such as local crime investigators, 101 and 999 call-handlers, and special constables will also merge in an effort to improve efficiency of crime investigation.

Teams will share information about cases, improving communication and local intelligence gathering.

Mr Macpherson said: "This is a return to good old-fashioned policing with locally-based officers responding to urgent calls for assistance, whilst at other times being visible and accessible on their beat.

"I have made a very large investment in modern technology so officers and staff do not have to return to the police station to catch up with form-filling. Now they can be where I want to see them – out in the community, using laptops and smart phones like many people do to stay connected."

T/Superintendent Chris Chammings, who oversaw the pilot when it was tested last autumn, said the evidence showed that members of the public were getting an improved service.

He said the new model would give the public a single officer who they can keep in touch with for the duration of the investigation.

Mr Veale said: "I am confident this new model is the right way for Wiltshire Police to improve and update the way it serves the community."

"Throughout the pilot, Wiltshire Police has been gathering feedback from members of the public, specifically victims of crime. We have been asking them about the service they have received, and have found that the new model has given them a more positive experience."

The new model will start in south and central Wiltshire in the autumn.