This week marks the start of a new era for Wiltshire Police as Catherine Roper begins her tenure as the new Chief Constable.

Catherine was appointed to the role following a rigorous selection process where she was questioned by serving officers and staff within Wiltshire Police, members of our Youth Commission and representatives from our partners, charities and commissioned services.

Making sure we have an effective leader who can put their stamp on their team and effect positive change within Wiltshire Police service is the most important decision I have to make as the Police and Crime Commissioner.

I strongly believe Catherine is the right person to do that.

She begins her role at a challenging time for Wiltshire Police.

The public share my concerns about drug related knife crime, anti-social behaviour and being safe on our streets when it gets dark. She also joins at a time where we’re working hard to reinvigorate our force following the recent HMIC report which has placed us in special measures.

I have no doubts in Catherine’s drive and ability to address these issues. She is an inspirational leader who brings with her decades of experience within challenging policing environments, alongside a different perspective and view to police delivery in the county.

Not only does she have a track record of delivering a high-performing police function in terms of 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.

It’s her understanding of this complete approach to policing and her methods in achieving it, which make her the outstanding candidate for the role.

It is now my role to make sure the new Chief Constable has the resources she needs to be able to achieve her goals and the goals of Wiltshire Police over the coming months and years.

Since I named Catherine as my preferred candidate, we have met a number of times to talk about those targets and I’m looking forward to working more closely with her.

Catherine is under no illusions about the scale of the task facing her, but her experience stands her in good stead and I believe she will be inheriting a talented workforce who will respond well to the new ideas she brings with her.

I’d also like to place on record my thanks to the outgoing Chief Constable, Kier Pritchard, who has ensured a smooth transition as Catherine starts her role and has put the building blocks in place for her to make Wiltshire a safer place to live and work.