TACKLING public safety, burglary, and violence are the new Wiltshire Police chief constable's main aims. 

In an open letter written by Catherine Roper, who took up the new post at the head of the county's police force last week, to Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, the new chief outlined her intentions.

She said: "I have established three key priority areas for operational delivery: Safer Public Spaces, Violence and Burglary I will be expecting my teams to provide the best possible response to all demands for service, but these three areas will be our focus."

"I recognise the strides forward made under the principles of ‘Victims, Investigations, Vulnerability’ previously established within Wiltshire Police. However, I believe these need to be applied in a more focused manner in order to be most effective.

"In support of the Police & Crime Plan, these priority areas will respond to the concerns of our communities – and ensure people feel safe both inside and outside of their homes."

In the letter, Ms Roper also highlighted the recent damning His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services grading, which rated Wiltshire Police as 'requires improvement' and placed it in special measures.

"To assist in accelerating the embedding of the recommendations into the foundations of Wiltshire Police, I am appointing, on a temporary basis, a dedicated Chief Officer lead who will have the sole responsibility of driving the significant progression of our response to the causes of concern.

This role will report directly to me so I can personally ensure that there is greater traction and clarity of the improvements being made, which is essential to providing the best possible policing service to the people of Wiltshire and Swindon and building trust and confidence in our force.

In the letter, she also talked about some of her early actions upon taking up the role which included speaking to residents about her priorities through media interviews and speaking to colleagues and officers to introduce herself. 

She added that she looks forward to working with Mr Wilkinson to help deliver his Police and Crime Plan and support him in his role as Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon.

Mr Wilkinson has described Ms Roper as "an inspirational leader who brings with her decades of experience within challenging policing environments, alongside a different perspective and view to police delivery in the county."

Catherine Roper was a Commander within the Metropolitan Police service and took over from Kier Pritchard, who retired on Monday February 27.