New Chief Constable starts at Wiltshire Police

5 March 2018

Wiltshire Times

Richard Mills Reporter

Kier Pritchard took up the reins as temporary Chief Constable at Wiltshire Police today (Monday).

Mr Pritchard, who has worked for the Force since 1993, takes over from Mike Veale who starts today as Chief Constable of Cleveland Police.

Joining him in leading Wiltshire Police from today will be temporary Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills and temporary Assistant Chief Constable Craig Holden. They will join Assistant Chief Officers Zoe Durrant and Clive Barker.

“Firstly, I would like to commend Mike for being an excellent Chief Constable and for helping to navigate Wiltshire through some of the most challenging circumstances," he said.

“Mike leaves Wiltshire Police as one of the top performing forces in the country.

“I have a huge sense of pride in taking this position in a Force I have served for more than 20 years and continuing this successful legacy.

“I’m not making changes today – I intend on building upon our successes and celebrating the incredible people who serve the public each and every day.

“My commitment today is simple – to listen. I want to listen to our communities, our officers, staff and our partners.

“I want you to tell me what you think is working and how you think we can further improve the service we provide.

“Now is the time for us all to look forward and to do so with our communities at the heart of everything we do.”

He has been an Assistant Chief Constable at Wiltshire since 2014.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson said: “Kier is an experienced senior officer who will provide stability to Wiltshire Police whilst building upon the excellent foundations laid by Mike Veale.

“Kier’s commitment to Wiltshire is plain to see and I have no doubt he will continue to lead the Force from strength to strength.

“Delivering the four priorities as set out in the Police and Crime Plan will remain a top priority for Kier and his Senior Command Team.

“Wiltshire Police is an outstanding Force and I have every confidence it will continue to travel forward under Kier’s leadership.”