Wiltshire Police Authority today announced that Brian Moore has been appointed as the new Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.

Mr Moore, 48, is currently Deputy Chief Constable with Surrey Police. Joining the police service in 1975 he has served with Lancashire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police Service as well as Surrey Police. It is expected that he will take up his new post in Wiltshire with effect from 1st January 2008.

Speaking shortly after his appointment, Brian Moore said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been given the great opportunity of leading Wiltshire Police. I know that this Force has a tremendous history and I am determined to build on that. Like many police forces, Wiltshire has recently been through a major reorganisation and, as a result, it is recognised that in some important areas, this has had an impact on the quality of service to our public. I have been most impressed by those I have met so far in the Force and on the Police Authority and I can tell that everyone shares a determination to restore all aspects of our service to the levels the public has every right to expect.

"Wiltshire Police is a force that is already on the way back up. It is very interesting for me as Wiltshire has long vied with Surrey for the position of the safest county in England. It is the firm intent of my new colleagues and myself to have this Force back where it belongs as soon as we can. I am convinced that the plans and building blocks already put in place by the highly experienced Wiltshire team are placing the Force in a very strong position for the future. I feel privileged that I have been selected to serve all the people of Wiltshire through the leadership of their police force."

Commenting on the new Chief Constable's appointment, Chairman of Wiltshire Police Authority, Christopher Hoare said: "Brian Moore's appointment as Wiltshire's new Chief Constable comes at an important time for our Force as it works to complete its recent reorganisation and so realise the benefits to the public which the changes were designed to deliver.

"In Brian Moore, Wiltshire is getting an outstanding senior police officer with a track record and depth of experience that is truly impressive. Surrey Police, where Brian has been Deputy Chief Constable, is consistently recognised as one of the country's most successful police forces as measured in outright performance and public confidence. We firmly believe that his experience and aspirations closely match and complement those of the Force's existing team who already have successfully laid the foundations for renewed progress.

"Wiltshire Police Authority is acutely aware that in the implementation of the Force's agreed re-organisation there have, in recent months, been aspects of the service which have dropped below the normally high standards provided by Wiltshire Police - most particularly in telephone call handling and the general ease of contact with the police.

"Everyone within the Force is working hard to address these temporary service short falls, caused largely by changes to new technologies and systems, and the Authority is confident that the levels of service in those areas, which are so essential to the public, are already improving and will continue to do so. We are working closely with the Force to ensure that this is the case.

"In appointing Brian Moore as our new Chief Constable, the Authority is convinced that we have a leader capable of taking Wiltshire Police, already a strong force, to the next successful stage in its development. We are critically aware that the ultimate judges of our effectiveness will be the people of Wiltshire and we are determined to meet their expectations."