ANGUS Macpherson has officially taken office as the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon today.

He was elected to the role, which involves being the voice of the people in relation to policing and setting strategic priorities, when voting took place on November 15.

Since the PCC elections, there has been a formal seven day transition period and as of today the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon has replaced Wiltshire Police Authority.

Mr Macpherson said: “I am very proud to have been elected as the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, and also immensely proud to have been the first PCC to be announced in England and Wales.

“Since the elections I have been busy meeting people who I will be working with.

"My first meeting was with Victim Support followed by Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Pat Geenty and the leaders of our local authorities.

"In the coming weeks I look forward to meeting other organisations which could play a role in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour as well as supporting victims.”

Mr Macpherson’s key priorities are:

  •  Maintaining frontline officer strength to tackle anti-social behaviour and local crime
  • Strengthening Neighbourhood Policing Teams and their operational links with partner agencies, embedding them further in the communities they serve
  • Putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice process and improving services to both victims and witnesses
  • Working with other agencies to protect the most vulnerable in our society
  • Regularly consulting with the public and ensuring effective communication with the public

Mr Macpherson was the first of 41 new PCCs to be announced last week, as Wiltshire was the only police force area in England and Wales where ballot papers were counted overnight on Thursday 15 November.

The role has been set up to improve accountability in policing.

The job includes

• Representing and engaging with communities

• Holding the Chief Constable and Wiltshire Police to account

• The ability to hire and fire the Chief Constable

• Setting priorities for the Force and preparing a Police and Crime Plan • Setting the Force budget and setting the council tax precept

• Working with partner agencies to ensure there is a unified approach to preventing and reducing crime The Chief Constable will remain responsible for the day to day running of Wiltshire Police.

Find out more about Mr Macpherson’s priorities, his profile and role on a new website www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk.