All change at the top at Wiltshire Police
The county's police force has a new Chief Constable as Kier Pritchard moves on to a new job
Last updated 26th Feb 2023
Kier Pritchard has stepped down from Wiltshire Police today after 30 years of service.
He's been in post as Wiltshire's Chief Constable since 5th March 2018 - the day after the Salisbury Novichok major incident was declared.
He's become one of the county's longest serving Chief Constables, and joined the force as a 19 year old.
Reflecting on his career, Kier Pritchard said:
“To have had the opportunity to lead the Force that I have dedicated my entire professional career to, has been the greatest privilege.
“Right from joining as a new recruit in my teens to now, I have always found policing to be equal parts challenging and rewarding.
“Policing, by its very nature, is constantly evolving to keep pace with new and emerging demand but the core values have always remained the same for me – to serve and protect with compassion and integrity.”
Over the last year, Wiltshire Police has come under fire though, with the force currently sitting in special measures. He said:
“Whilst I cannot shy away from the challenges the Force is facing and the improvements we need to make, I remain immensely proud of all of the officers, staff and volunteers at Wiltshire Police whose unrelenting dedication to public service is inspiring.
“I am confident that the path the Force is now on will see necessary improvements made and ultimately result in a better quality of service to our communities in Wiltshire.
“Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, our fantastic communities across the county and my family.”
Wiltshire’s new Chief Constable, Catherine Roper, will formally take over tomorrow (Monday 27th February).
Chief Constable Pritchard will move, on attachment, to the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), before retiring from policing completely in June.