Start date confirmed for Wiltshire's new police chief

Catherine Roper will arrive in our county within weeks

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 20th Jan 2023

A start date has been agreed for Wiltshire's new police Chief Constable.

Catherine Roper, who's currently a Commander at the Metropolitan Police, will join the Wiltshire force next month.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said:

"Following the confirmation last week of Commander Catherine Roper’s appointment as Wiltshire Police’s next Chief Constable, I am delighted to confirm to you her start date next month.

"Cdr Roper’s first day as Chief Constable will be 27th February 2023, after completing a short handover period with Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, and the Executive Leadership Team, prior to this date.

"I am sure you will join me in welcoming Cdr Roper to Wiltshire Police and I, and my office, look forward to working closely with her.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to Kier for his dedication to policing during his 30 years’ service and my gratitude to his senior leadership team for the smooth transition which is underway as we prepare for Cdr Roper’s arrival."

Cdr Roper's appointment was confirmed during a meeting of Wiltshire's Police and Crime Panel.

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