On Friday 21 December, Chief Constable Kier Pritchard chaired an interview process for the recruitment of the Deputy Chief Constable position within Wiltshire Police.

The recruitment process involved a panel, made up of representatives from Wiltshire Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), a partner agency and also an independent member.

Paul Mills, who had been temporary DCC since March 2018, was successful in the process.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: "Paul's first day in the temporary role, like mine, was on the day of the first nerve agent attack in Salisbury.

"His contribution to the local policing response to these two unprecedented incidents was immense and he showed faultless leadership of the Strategic Coordination Group which saw him chair the multi-agency response.

"I have full confidence that Paul will continue to provide me and the wider Force with the support and dedication he has shown throughout that period."

DCC Mills said: "I am delighted to have been selected for the permanent deputy role.

"The last nine months have been an extraordinary time for local policing in Wiltshire and it has been a privilege to play a part in this.

"I look forward to working closely with Kier to continue leading such a fantastic team of officers, staff and volunteers. Similarly, I look forward to continuing working with our partners to try and provide the very best service we can to the public going forward."

DCC Mills secured a five year contract. 

Biography:

Paul was appointed temporary Deputy Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police in February 2018 and substantive DCC in December 2018.

Paul's extensive policing career spans more than 20 years and began at Northamptonshire Police.

In 2007, he transferred to Wiltshire as Chief Inspector taking on the lead for neighbourhood policing.

With a love of hill walking and cycling, Paul quickly settled into life in the county - where he still lives with his wife, Clare.

Paul was promoted to Superintendent in 2010 and headed up the professional standards team before making Chief Superintendent two years later, with responsibility for local policing.

Paul was made an Assistant Chief Constable in 2014, with responsibility for the Crime and Justice portfolio.

During his career he has had secondments to HMCFRS and the Home Office, and is currently the National Police Chief Council lead for harassment and stalking.