More than two thirds of people who responded to a public survey in Wiltshire and Swindon have said they want Wiltshire Police to remain a standalone force, amid proposed reforms to policing across England and Wales.
The survey, carried out by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in August 2026, asked residents for their views on Government proposals which could see England and Wales' current 43 police forces replaced by a smaller number of larger regional organisations.
A total of 1,100 people took part, with 66% saying Wiltshire Police should remain a standalone force.
Concerns about the potential impact on local policing were a strong theme throughout the responses.
Three quarters of respondents (75%) believed a regional force would have worse knowledge of local communities and issues, while 71% felt it would be less responsive to local priorities.
The importance of neighbourhood policing was also highlighted throughout the survey.
Four in five respondents (80%) said it was "very important" that neighbourhood policing remained shaped by local communities and priorities, even if wider police reform goes ahead.
Overall, 94% said this was important.
There were also concerns about the possible impact of reform on visibility and public confidence.
More than two thirds of respondents (69%) believed community engagement and trust would worsen under a regional model, while 68% felt policing visibility would decrease.
The survey also found that residents recognised some potential benefits associated with larger regional forces.
Six in ten respondents (60%) believed reform could strengthen specialist policing capabilities, including cybercrime investigation and firearms policing.
Meanwhile, 51% felt larger forces could deliver more efficient support services, such as finance, human resources and administration.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said the results provided an important insight into how residents across Wiltshire and Swindon viewed the proposed reforms.
He said: "While there is recognition that larger forces may bring benefits in areas such as specialist policing capabilities and organisational efficiency, respondents were clear that protecting local policing remains their priority.
"Throughout the survey, residents consistently highlighted the importance of local knowledge, visible neighbourhood policing, strong community relationships and accountability to local people."
He added that the views would help inform his ongoing engagement with Government and policing partners as discussions around reform continue.
As well as completing the survey, residents shared their views through social media engagement.
Many reiterated concerns about maintaining local knowledge, protecting resources for rural communities, preserving visible neighbourhood policing and ensuring local accountability remains at the heart of policing.
The Commissioner said the findings would be represented in ongoing discussions with Government and national policing bodies as proposals develop.
The Government's proposed reforms could ultimately lead to fewer, larger police forces across England and Wales, although the final arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
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