THE wheels are in motion on Angus Macpherson’s quest to find a replacement for his retiring chief constable Pat Geenty.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon has filed an advertisement for the position, one month after Mr Geenty revealed his plans to retire at the end of May.

The advert reads: “There has never been a more challenging time to be a chief constable.

“The social, economic and political environment is changing rapidly, and the policing service is changing with it.

“If you have the drive and ambition to thrive in this environment, and wish to lead a police force that has always been a high achiever, this position will give you a platform to make your mark.”

Interested applicants can call Mr Macpherson or chief executive Kieran Kilgallen on 01380 734022.

Application packs can also be requested via this phone number from Christine Clifford or via e-mail at christine.clifford@wiltshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is April 14 and an interview selection process will be held on May 5 at the force’s headquarters in Devizes.

Any successor will have to wait until the outcome of an ongoing probe into mishandling of sexual abuse complaints involving Mr Geenty.

The police inspectorate has been investigating the conduct of Mr Geenty and two fellow officers prior to his appointment as Wiltshire's chief constable in 2012.

In September, the Independent Police Complaints Commission launched an inquiry into an alleged cover-up of information regarding allegations made in 2008 and 2009, which included looking at the conduct of Mr Geenty.

It was said that in 2009, a then detective inspector and detective constable, having examined the way the force dealt with the sexual abuse allegations, withheld information from the complainants as to the extent of the force’s failings.

It is also alleged Mr Geenty, then the assistant chief constable, withheld information and misled the complainants.

If a case is found to be answered, Wiltshire Police could bring Mr Geenty in front of a gross misconduct panel. They would be unable to do so if he was no longer a serving officer.