TWO ASSISTANT chief constables have been appointed for new positions at Wiltshire Police.

Chief constable Mike Veale was appointed two substantive assistant chief constables. 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, along with observers from the Black Police Association, Unison and Police Federation.

Paul Mills and Kier Pritchard, both currently temporary assistant chief constables at Wiltshire Police, have been successfully appointed and will be promoted to substantive ACCs with immediate effect.

Mr 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."

Mr Mills, who transferred to Wiltshire Police in 2007, served his first ten years in Northamptonshire and will continue the portfolio he has held since September 2014.

Mr Mills 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, speaking on Friday, 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."