Met Commander Catherine Roper has been named as the preferred candidate for Wiltshire’s next Chief Constable.

PCC Philip Wilkinson described her as “an exceptionally strong candidate” and said she would bring decades of experience within challenging policing environments with her.

Cdr Roper joined the Met in 2000 and began her career in frontline policing. She has since taken roles within specialist intelligence and surveillance command. She has also worked within the Specialist Protection Command and Royalty Protection.

In 2022, she was made responsible for Central Specialist Crime and further holds the National Child and Young Person portfolio.

Cdr Roper said: “I am committed to working with the communities and partners of Wiltshire and Swindon to provide the best possible policing service, building on Kier Pritchard’s exceptional dedication.”

PCC Wilkinson added: “I believe Catherine will be an inspirational leader. She has a track record of delivering a high-performing police function, fighting crime but also working closely with local authorities and partner agencies to drive change and ensure Wiltshire Police delivers a quality policing service that our residents want and deserve.

“I look forward to working closely with her as we both strive towards the goal of making Wiltshire safer.”

A confirmation hearing is expected to take place on January 12. Current Chief Kier Pritchard is due to retire in June 2023.