Wiltshire Police: Candidate for chief constable position announced

Commander Catherine Roper of the Metropolitan Police is set to succeed the outgoing Kier Pritchard who is retiring in June 2023.

Police and Crime Commisioner Philip Wilkinson chose Cdr Roper as his preferred candidate for the position, which is now subject to confirmation by Wiltshire and Swindon’s Police and Crime Panel.

A hearing is expected to take place on January 12, 2023.

Commander Catherine Roper (Image: Wiltshire PCC)

Mr Wilkinson said: “After a comprehensive selection process I am delighted to announce Catherine as my preferred candidate for Wiltshire Police’s next Chief Constable.

“Catherine is an exceptionally strong candidate and brings with her decades of experience within challenging policing environments alongside a different perspective and view to police delivery in the county. I am extremely pleased she has chosen Wiltshire to continue her successful policing career.

“I believe Catherine will be an inspirational leader. She has a track record of delivering a high-performing police function, fighting crime but also working closely with local authorities and partner agencies to drive change and ensure Wiltshire Police delivers a quality policing service that our residents want and deserve.

“I look forward to working closely with her as we both strive towards the goal of making Wiltshire safer.”

Cdr Roper added: “I am honoured and delighted to be selected as the PCC's preferred candidate to be the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police. I am committed to working with the communities and partners of Wiltshire and Swindon to provide the best possible policing service, building on Kier Pritchard’s exceptional dedication.

“I very much look forward to working with the officers and staff of Wiltshire Police, together with the Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson and his team.”

The officer joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 2000 and began her career in frontline policing. Her progression has seen her take several high-profile roles including within specialist intelligence and surveillance command.

In addition, Catherine also holds the National Child and Young Person portfolio and is a Post Incident Manager for firearms incidents, as well as previously being a Strategic Firearms Commander.

Cdr Roper was involved in a selection process which included sessions with two stakeholder panels - one made up of officers and staff within Wiltshire Police and an external stakeholder panel with representatives from the Office for Police Conduct partners, charities and commissioned services, as well as members of the PCC’s Youth Commission.