Wiltshire Police reach out to association for Traveller police officers after man’s death
Wiltshire Police have been commended by the national association for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller police officers and staff after seeking specialist support during the investigation into a killing at a Traveller site.
In a statement released on their Facebook page, the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Police Association (GRTPA) said they “would like to recognise and thank Wiltshire Police for their swift response, continued support and engagement following the tragic death of Jimmy Ward at a Traveller site near Cricklade.”
“First and foremost, our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Jimmy's family, friends and the wider Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community at this incredibly difficult time,” the GRTPA added.
Jimmy Ward, 36, was killed on Sunday 2 August at a Traveller site near Cricklade in Wiltshire. A man has been charged with his murder and with possession of a shotgun without a certificate and is set to face trial in early 2027. Two people have also been charged with assisting an offender and possession of a shotgun without a certificate.
“We welcome the speed and professionalism of Wiltshire Police's response, the reassurance and support provided to the community, and particularly their proactive decision to reach out to the GRTPA National Executive for Specialist Advice,” said the association.
The GRTPA was founded in September 2013 by Jim Davies, an English Romany Gypsy officer from Thames Valley Police, and Petr Torak, a Czech Roma officer from Cambridgeshire, who met by chance at an Association of Chief Police Officers conference. The association grew quickly following its official launch in Parliament in 2014. Both founders have since retired from the police service.
The GRTPA aims to support police officers and staff across the UK who are from Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller heritage, and to help ensure police forces have a better awareness of the issues these communities face — including tackling prejudice and racism.
“We are grateful that Wiltshire Police recognized the key role the GRTPA can play in supporting communication, engagement and reassurance, particularly at such a difficult time,” the association said. “We hope this positive relationship continues to grow, and the GRTPA National Executive remains ready to support Wiltshire Police and the wider community wherever appropriate.
“We ask everyone to respect the ongoing criminal proceedings and avoid speculation. Above all, our thoughts remain with Jimmy's family and loved ones, and everyone affected by his death.”
Mike Doherty for Travellers Times News
(Composite image from GRTPA Facebook)
Full GRTPA statement:
The Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association (GRTPA) National Executive would like to recognise and thank Wiltshire Police for their swift response, continued support and engagement following the tragic death of Jimmy Ward at a Traveller site near Cricklade.
First and foremost, our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Jimmy's family, friends and the wider Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community at this incredibly difficult time.
We welcome the speed and professionalism of Wiltshire Police's response, the reassurance and support provided to the community, and particularly their proactive decision to reach out to the GRTPA National Executive for Specialist Advice.
Our work with Wiltshire police has genuinely been a breath of fresh air. Their open, proactive and collaborative approach, and willingness to listen and engage with the GRT community, is a strong example of positive partnership working.
We are grateful that Wiltshire Police recognized the key role the GRTPA can play in supporting communication, engagement and reassurance, particularly at such a difficult time. We hope this positive relationship continues to grow, and the GRTPA National Executive remains ready to support Wiltshire Police and the wider community wherever appropriate.
We ask everyone to respect the ongoing criminal proceedings and avoid speculation. Above all, our thoughts remain with Jimmy's family and loved ones, and everyone affected by his death.
GRTPA National Executive Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association