New Chief Constable
for Wiltshire is announced

Martin Richards, right, is congratulated by Chairman of Wiltshire Police Authority Bertie Woolnough

Martin Richards was appointed 7 May to succeed Dame Elizabeth Neville as Wiltshire's Chief Constable in September 2004. Dame Elizabeth will leave Wiltshire Constabulary in September after serving seven years with the Force.

Martin Richards, currently the Deputy Chief Constable at Avon and Somerset Constabulary, was the successful applicant from a strong field and was interviewed by the Police Authority in a comprehensive selection process over a two day period. 

Mr Bertie Woolnough, Chairman of Wiltshire Police Authority, said: 'The applicants were all of a very high quality. Martin Richards has the right qualities to build on the significant contribution made by Dame Elizabeth and develop the strong performance and reputation for innovation and quality for which Wiltshire Constabulary is renowned, in the years to come'.

Martin Richards said: 'Wiltshire Constabulary has a national reputation for consistently good performance, the maintenance of a very low rate of crime and a strong culture of service improvement. I am delighted that I will have the opportunity to build on the success to date and be instrumental in 'Keeping Wiltshire Safe'. I look forward to moving with my family to a very beautiful county, with an excellent quality of life'.