CHIEF Constable Mike Veale today appointed two substantive assistant chief constables for Wiltshire Police.

Wiltshire Police has not had a substantive ACC since 2011.

Today, Mr Veale chaired a promotion process alongside Assistant Chief Officer Zoe Durrant, Head of People Services Sarah King and Chief Executive Kieran Kilgallen from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), along with observers from the Black Police Association, Unison and Police Federation.

Paul Mills and Kier Pritchard, both currently temporary ACCs at Wiltshire Police are promoted to substantive ACCs with immediate effect.

Chief Constable Mike Veale said: "I am delighted to announce that Paul and Kier have been appointed as ACCs.

"Both Paul and Kier achieved an 'exceptional' grading at the Police National Assessment Centre which they attended in November - this is a fantastic achievement and proves that they have the leadership attributes which I know will help drive forward my vision for this organisation."

The vacancies had been advertised nationally and candidates who were successful in the recent three-month long Strategic Command Course were personally invited to apply for these important leadership roles.

Mr Mills, who transferred to Wiltshire Police in 2007, having served the first 10 years of his service in Northamptonshire, will continue with the portfolio he has held temporarily since September 2014. This includes providing the strategic leadership of public protection and safeguarding, criminal investigations, crime reduction, special constabulary and citizens in policing.

He said: “I am immensely proud to have been appointed to the rank of assistant chief constable with Wiltshire.

“Having moved to Wiltshire Police nine years ago, I have a deep affinity for the force and the county and I look forward to continuing to work with the chief constable, the senior team and the OPCC to reduce crime and provide the best service we can to the public.”

Mr Pritchard, who joined Wiltshire Police in June 1993, said: "I am delighted to have today been appointed assistant chief constable and I am looking forward to working with local partners to deliver a public service and above all, being part of the executive team that will be working to improve policing in Wiltshire.

"On a personal level it is a great privilege. My family have been a big support. It has been a demanding process for them as well and this is a success for us all. And as one marathon finishes, another one starts as I am running the London Marathon on Sunday so the celebrations will hold off until then!"

Mr Pritchard will continue with the portfolio he has held temporarily. This includes operational policing and contact management.