More than half of Wiltshire's police's civilian staff who answered a survey say they do not have confidence in the way the force is run.

The force has about 950 civilian staff of which 625 are members of Unison. A survey of civilian staff found that 78 per cent pf thos polled were negative about how the force is run.

Of the Unison members just over a third responded to a survey carried out by the union.

The survey found that most civilian staff were loyal and proud to work for Wiltshire Police but many were concerned at recent changes, which they felt have resulted in a poor service to the public.

Some felt there were not enough police officers on the ground. Also criticised was the introduction of a new computer system called Niche, which is a laborious system to operate, and the closure of most police enquiry offices.

One of the responses to the survey was: "I feel that the force is moving in the wrong direction and we are not improving our service to the people of Wiltshire, but making it more difficult for them to report incidents and crime and to get any help from their local officers."

Another said: "The number of operational officers available for front line response duties is so poor that the management which has allowed it should be the subject of an external investigation."

Chris Cahill, chairman of the Unison branch at Wiltshire Police, said there had been four major reviews of departments at the force in the last 18 months and said Government targets for police force contact centres coupled with the force having to make savings of £1.5 million, had led to low morale among civilian staff.

He said: "Our members are extremely loyal to Wiltshire Police but they feel the force is a rudderless ship and don't feel they are engaged in the process of change.

"Civilian staff want to give a good service to the public but there's a feeling that nothing is improving."

The survey results have been sent to the chief officers of Wiltshire Police.

Mark Milton, head of human resources at the force, said: "Wiltshire Police prides itself on being a good employer and does value the opinion of its staff.

"The survey is set against the backdrop of major change for the force and it is therefore not surprising that some colleagues have concerns.

"Such major change for the organisation has meant that change for some of our colleagues has been inevitable. "