Wiltshire scores another significant first as Patrick Geenty becomes the new chief constable

Wiltshire’s new Chief Constable is Patrick Geenty, who has held the post on a temporary basis since March last year, and is the very first police boss in the country to be appointed by a newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner.

Angus Macpherson, the first on the country to be elected to the radical Commissioner role in November November, announced Mr Geenty’s permanent appointment at Wiltshire Police’s Devizes headquarters this morning (Tuesday).

And his debut, very much expected as a sign of continuity, marks the third first for the county, Wiltshire being the first county police force ever to be created.

“I am delighted to be appointing Patrick Geenty as the substantive Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police,” said Mr Macpherson, describing Mr Geenty as an “outstanding leader” to hold the £133,068 a year post.

“As it is such an important role, it was a priority for me to recruit for this post as soon as possible after taking office.”

“Mr Geenty has been the temporary chief constable since March last year.  During that time, and throughout the recruitment process, he has shown a real commitment to leading the force effectively, working to ensure Wiltshire continues to be one of the safest counties in the country.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with him.  He is an outstanding leader and I am very pleased that we will be working together to deliver my forthcoming police and crime plan.”

Mr Geenty has 30 years’ police service and has held a wide range of roles, including working in CID, with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary on a protective services review and he is currently the national police lead for missing people.

Mr Geenty, a former secondary school teacher before joining the police service in 1982, responded:  “I am very proud to be appointed as the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.”

“I will continue to lead the force, working alongside Mr Macpherson and other colleagues, to continue to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the county and deliver his police and crime plan, due to be published by the end of March.”

“We are working within a challenging financial climate, however I am confident we will continue to provide an effective and efficient police service for the people of Wiltshire.”

Mr Geenty was one of three candidates interviewed by a panel yesterday (Monday) after four people, one of them a woman, applied for the post and were short-listed for interviews.

One candidate then withdrew from the selection process prior to interviews taking place.

Mr Macpherson added: “I would like to publicly thank all the candidates for their interest in this important post and for their input into the recruitment process. The applicants were all of a very high standard indeed.”