A SENIOR police officer has been appointed to the position of Temporary Assistant Chief Constable to develop the strategic alliance between the Wiltshire and Avon & Somerset forces.

It was announced in January that the forces would co-operate further in an effort save £30 million in the next five years.

The appointment of Chief Supt Julian Moss, who has served with Avon and Somerset Constabulary for 22 years, has been agreed by the police and crime commissioners of both areas together with Avon and Somerset’s Acting Chief Constable and the incoming Chief Constable of Wiltshire.

Chief Supt Moss said today: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as programme director to lead on the development of the strategic alliance between Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset police forces.

“This is an exciting and challenging programme of work, with huge potential and opportunity. I will ensure that both forces are treated as equal partners and that together we fully understand the challenges faced by each force.

“For much of my career I have worked closely with local communities and with partnerships. This has taught me that trust and confidence are some of the most important characteristics of successful collaboration.

“I hope that one of the most important qualities I can bring will be an ability to listen. Good open communications and engagement with officers, staff and the public will be at the very heart of my approach, keeping everyone up to date with progress at every step.

“I very much look forward to getting started. My first job will be to bring together a joint programme team with people from each of the two forces.”

Mike Veale, who becomes Chief Constable of Wiltshire on June 1, said: “Julian Moss is an excellent choice to lead this vital programme. He has been closely involved in regional collaborations and that experience will stand him in good stead in this important new role.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “I am very impressed with Julian Moss and his enthusiasm for what will, no doubt, be a challenging role. I look forward to working with him in the future.

“We have had very useful preliminary discussions about how his team will be set up, what resources they will need and where they will work.

“He shares our view that it is important for the strategic alliance team not to be perceived to be working on behalf of one or other of the partners, but on behalf of both.

John Long, A/Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset said: “Julian has a great deal of experience spanning many facets of policing and a very strong background of working with partners, at a community and strategic level. These strengths will be invaluable in his leadership of the Strategic Alliance programme.”

Sue Mountstevens, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset, said: “I’ve worked alongside Julian for some time and know him to be a dedicated, professional and innovative officer.

"I’m delighted that he’s bringing his skills to this project and I have every confidence that he will help us forge a strong strategic alliance together.”