KIER PRITCHARD has been confirmed as the permanent chief constable.

The appointment, which will be for an initial three year period, was confirmed by the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel today (Friday, November 30).

He has been the temporary chief constable for Wiltshire Police since March.

Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “Kier has done an excellent job over the past nine months in the face of unprecedented demands on Wiltshire, and his leadership has been outstanding.

“Having served in Wiltshire since 1993, as Assistant Chief Constable since 2014, and Temporary Chief Constable since March 2018, Kier has extensive experience as a Chief Officer.

“I am confident that he, alongside his executive leadership team, will continue to build on the great work being done in the Force and take forward his inspiring vision for the future.

"The panel clearly saw the experience and innovation that Kier brings to the role. I have every confidence in his capabilities to lead Wiltshire Police and I look forward to working with him to deliver the priorities within the Police and Crime Plan."

Panel chairman Councillor Richard Brittan said: "Kier Pritchard impressed the panel with his enthusiasm, commitment to Wiltshire Police and professional competence.

“We asked some demanding questions, including some about collaborative working with partners, and there were no areas of concern identified.

“The panel's decision to confirm the appointment was unanimous and we are looking forward to working with the Chief Constable and the Commissioner in making Wiltshire an even safer place to live and work."

Chief Constable Pritchard said he was honoured to have been appointed.

He said: “I feel so privileged to be chosen to lead my home Force where I’ve served for 25 years. I am passionate about making sure we continue to deliver a policing service with our partners that meet the needs of everybody in our communities.

“I look forward to continuing to lead my team of incredibly dedicated officers, staff and volunteers, and further developing our good relationships with partner agencies across the county.

"My focus, working alongside my leadership team, continues to be delivering the Commissioner’s priorities as set out in the Police and Crime Plan and making Wiltshire Police the very best it can be.”