Wiltshire's new Police Chief Constable confirmed
Catherine Roper will join the force later this year
Wiltshire has a new Police Chief Constable.
Catherine Roper, who currently serves with the Met Police as a Commander in Central Specialist Crime, will transfer to the top job in our force later this year.
Her appointment's been confirmed by the Police and Crime Panel, after being chosen as the preferred candidate by Wiltshire's PCC, Philip Wilkinson.
Ms Roper will replace Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, who announced his intention in November to retire after 30 years of service.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said:
“Following the Panel’s endorsement of Catherine’s appointment, Wiltshire is gaining a Chief Constable with a broad breadth of policing experience.
“I look forward to working with Catherine closely over the coming months and years to bring our shared goal of making Wiltshire a safer place to live, work and visit to fruition.
“Appointing a Chief Constable is one of the most important decisions I will make while in office and I am grateful for the support of my office in bringing the comprehensive recruitment process to a successful conclusion.”
Incoming Chief Constable Catherine Roper said:
“Today was a key further step towards my appointment as Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, and I am delighted with the support and endorsement by the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel.
“I am very much looking forward to formally starting my role. Working with the PCC Philip Wilkinson, my teams and I will focus on providing the communities and partners of Wiltshire and Swindon with the best possible policing service.”
Outgoing Chief Kier Pritchard has also responded to the appointment on social media:
Cllr Steve Bucknall, Chair of Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel, added:
“The Panel were pleased to confirm Catherine Roper as the next Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.
“The county is lucky to have secured such considerable policing experience and aptitude in Catherine. Her focus and commitment to delivering a quality police service for the county’s residents was evident and I was particularly heartened to hear the passion she will bring to improving public trust and confidence in Wiltshire Police.”