THE new Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police is to be Mike Veale, the force’s present Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) it was announced today.

The decision is subject to confirmation by the Police and Crime Panel, enhanced security vetting and a medical examination.

If Mr Veale’s appointment is confirmed at a special meeting on Monday, he will become the Chief Constable on Monday 1 June, succeeding Pat Geenty, who announced in February his wish to retire.

Chief Constable Geenty is currently the subject of an IPCC investigation into alleged mishandling of sexual abuse complaints but denied that this was his reason for leaving earlier this year.

Mr Veale has been the DCC at Wiltshire Police since March 2013, having joined the force in January 2005 as a Detective Superintendent from Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled at being appointed - subject to confirmation - as the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.

“During the past ten years I have loved every minute of serving the public of Wiltshire and Swindon and I am incredibly proud that this Force is one of the top performing forces in the country.

“The legacy that Chief Constable Pat Geenty is leaving behind is that Wiltshire Police is in the great position of being able to withstand austerity and continue to provide a good service to the public.

Mr Veale was interviewed by a panel chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson and made up of council leaders and independent specialists.

Mr Macpherson said today: “Because there was only one candidate for the post, our high-calibre and independent panel really put Mike Veale through his paces and he absolutely rose to the challenge.

“I have every confidence that he will make an excellent Chief Constable for Wiltshire. He understands Wiltshire and Swindon and has been at the heart of developing strong relationships with Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council and with our colleagues in Avon and Somerset Constabulary."