New Chief Constable confirmed by Wiltshire's Police and Crime Panel

Friday, 13 January 2023 00:00

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Panel has approved the selection of Catherine Roper as the next Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police after PCC Philip Wilkinson selected her as his preferred candidate last month.

Catherine takes over as Chief Constable after Kier Pritchard announced in November his intention to retire after 30 years in policing later this year.

Mr Wilkinson proposed Catherine’s appointment to Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel today (12 Jan) at a meeting held at County Hall, Trowbridge.

He 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.”

Catherine joins Wiltshire Police from The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), where she is a Commander in Central Specialist Crime.

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.

12.01.23 Trowbridge. Photocall: The announcement of the new Wiltshire Chief Constable, Catherine Roper at County Hall, Trowbridge on Thursday 12th January 2023 From left to right: Cllr Steve Bucknall, Chair of Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel; Catherine Roper, Incoming Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson.

“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.”

The PCC is required to consult with the Police and Crime Panel, the body which holds him to account on several core items of business, such as the budget for policing, police council precept setting and the appointment of a new Chief Constable.

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.”