Wiltshire Police is training new recruits under Project Vigilant to identify predatory behaviors in real time, aiming to enhance safety for women and girls in the city
Training New Recruits in Project Vigilant
The new recruits are being trained to identify predatory behaviors in real time, rather than in controlled classroom scenarios.
Detective Inspector Jen Jeffcoat-Marsh stated, “Project Vigilant aims to make the identification and pursuit of sexual predators a standard procedure across the entire force.”
She added, “To achieve this, we are integrating the core principles and skills of the project into the initial training curriculum for all new officers.”
According to her, “This strategy ensures that future officers are fully immersed in the Project Vigilant ethos from the outset, thereby embedding a lasting cultural and operational change within the force.”
Recognizing Predatory Behaviors
During Project Vigilant operations, officers are trained to recognize behavioral cues that may indicate predatory intent. These behaviors may include:
| Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Loitering | Without a good reason |
| Sexually inappropriate behavior | Harassing or stalking behavior |
| History of violence | Physical violence or domestic abuse |
| Misogynistic comments | To strangers |
| Cultural misunderstanding | Identified in previous operations |
About two-thirds of individuals stopped during previous operations have later been assessed as posing a risk of sexual predatory behavior. Through specialist training, new officers are taught to spot these risk factors to help prevent harm before it occurs.
Community Involvement and Reporting
Detective Inspector Jeffcoat-Marsh emphasized, “We want to make Wiltshire a place where women and girls feel safe and free to live their lives without fear.”
She continued, “Project Vigilant is about taking action—spotting risks early, challenging harmful behaviors, and stopping predators before they cause harm.”
She also noted, “Every deployment strengthens our intelligence and sends a clear message: sexual predators are not welcome here.”
In October alone, the team gathered a record amount of information thanks to community support. “We are committed to ending violence against women and girls, but we can’t do it alone,” she said.
She urged, “If you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it. Even the smallest detail could be the key to protecting someone and removing a dangerous individual from our streets. Together, we can make a difference.”
Public Assistance and Future Initiatives
The force encourages the public to assist by reporting suspicious behavior and providing as much detail as possible to help build strong intelligence. Reports can be made through the Wiltshire Police website or by calling 101. Anonymous information can be passed to Crimestoppers.
The constables involved in the recent deployment are the first in the country to practice their stop and search training in a live Project Vigilant setting. Previously, this part of their training was carried out only in controlled environments.
By integrating Project Vigilant into the early stages of officer training, Wiltshire Police aims to create “a lasting cultural and operational change” within the force.
The force also encourages members of the public to consider becoming a “Vigilant Guardian.” More information about Project Vigilant, recent work to address violence against women and girls (VAWG), and details on becoming a Vigilant Guardian are available on the Wiltshire Police website.
A video showcasing a Project Vigilant deployment, featuring insights from the VAWG and intelligence teams, is also available online.
