THE new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon has become the first since the elections to appoint a police chief constable.

Angus Macpherson appointed Patrick Geenty as the permanent Wiltshire Police Chief Constable today, although Mr Geenty has been doing the job on a temporary basis for nearly a year.

Mr Geenty has 30 years’ police service and has held a wide range of roles. He is currently the national police lead for missing people.

He said: “I am very proud to be appointed as the substantive Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.

“I will continue to lead the force, working alongside Mr Macpherson and other colleagues, to continue to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in the county and deliver his Police and Crime Plan, due to be published by the end of March.

“We are working within a challenging financial climate, however I am confident we will continue to provide an effective and efficient police service for the people of Wiltshire.”

Mr Macpherson was elected as the Wiltshire PCC in November.