THE new Chief Constable of Wiltshire has given herself 12 months for significant improvements in the force’s performance to be seen.
Catherine Roper was confirmed as the next Chief Constable by a unanimous vote of the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel after the Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, and Commander (Cdr) Roper both spoke at the panel’s meeting.
Philip Wilkinson, presenting Catherine Roper as his preferred choice for Chief Constable said, “After a one-hour interview I thought to myself, that’s Wiltshire’s new chief constable.
“I have no doubt she has the ability to make the radical reforms and take the tough decision necessary to turn Wiltshire Police around, but she will do it making sure the workforce, which says it has a voice but isn’t listened to, is engaged and heard.”
The new Chief Constable has spent 22 years as an officer in the Metropolitan Police and was asked whether she had the experience of a rural police force and the challenges that brings.
She said she knew Wiltshire well, having had a home on the Wiltshire/ Gloucestershire border for many years but said, “This came up several times throughout the selection process. It’s a fair question – I don’t have experience of policing a rural area very much. I need to learn that, but I’m ready for the challenge and I ask that people help learn the things I need to know.”
With the force in special measures after an inspectors’ report, members of the panel, and Philip Wilkinson wanted Cdr Roper to use the skills she has picked up in leading organisational change – such as merging the borough police forces of Camden and Islington – and her ability to lead people.
Chairman of the committee, cllr Steve Bucknell said, “What is the time frame to turn the force around until it’s outstanding?”
Cdr Roper said, “It is, quite rightly, really tough to be assessed as outstanding. I couldn’t say how long it would take us to get there.
“But In 12 months, I’m confident that there will be a noticeable upturn in improvement – both in feel and in assessments.”
Asked “as a high-flier” whether she would be using Wiltshire as a stepping-stone to bigger and better things she said, “I don’t need to tell you want an amazing county this is, but I didn’t hesitate when the vacancy came up.
“I’m committed to the long-term and making sure the people of Swindon and Wiltshire get the best possible policing, which is what they deserve.”