A NEW Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) joined Wiltshire Police on May 20.

Mark Cooper was appointed into one of two existing ACC posts in Wiltshire earlier this month and has started his role as ACC for Crime and Justice.

Mark joins the Force from Dorset Police where he was a Detective Chief Superintendent and previously completed a secondment in Wiltshire, as an acting ACC in January 2016.

Throughout his career, Mr Cooper has worked at all ranks as a detective, leading investigations in areas including major crime, counter terrorism and kidnap. He has also been the South West strategic lead for Disaster Victim Identification and Cyber Crime.

In 2011, he was awarded a Masters Degree in Criminology from Cambridge University following his research into The World of Organised Crime. He said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Wiltshire’s Chief Officer Team and what I consider to be one of the best performing Forces in the country.

"I have been hugely impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the officers and staff."

On Tuesday, June 4, Maggie Blyth will join the Force from Hampshire Police as Assistant Chief Constable for local policing.