The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson looked back on his achievements before stepping down.

Mr Macpherson was the first PCC to be elected in Wiltshire and Swindon during the inaugural elections in 2012 before securing his second term in 2016.

More than 50 guests including Office of the PCC colleagues, Wiltshire Police, local authority and other partner agency leaders saw Mr Macpherson receive a Lifetime Contribution to Policing, Crime and Community Safety Award at a special event.

Highlights of his time in the role include setting up a £1 million innovation fund to support community and voluntary initiatives, commissioning a 24/7 mental health triage system within the police control room, investing £1m to recruit hundreds of special constables. ;aunching restorative justice services via Restorative Together, a multi-agency partnership led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner,long-term investment into new technology to modernise the workforce, and launching the community policing project within the county which saw a new ‘one team’ approach to policing.

He said: “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Wiltshire and Swindon for the past nine years, but the time has now come to pass the baton.

“It has no doubt been a challenging but fulfilling role and at the heart of everything I have tried to achieve, has been protecting those most vulnerable in our communities and ensuring that the voices of those most in need are heard loudly and clearly.

“The photo video montage shown during the event brought back lots of memories of the past nine years and I am very honoured to receive this award from those partners I have worked so closely with.”

Establishing Horizon Victim and Witness Care was a personal highlight, as the team ensured that victims and witnesses had the necessary support to navigate through the criminal justice system.

He added: “I am looking forward to my retirement, spending more time with my wife Sara-Jane and continuing to work on ensuring that homeless people in Swindon continue to receive the support they need via my volunteering at The Filling Station.”

Speeches were given from OPCC chief executive Kieran Kilgallen and Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard while Deputy PCC Jerry Herbert officiated the event.

Also, on the guest list were local MPs, regional PCCs, the High Sheriff, the Lord Lieutenant, Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel, Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) representatives.

Mr Macpherson has decided to not to stand again in the forthcoming PCC elections on Thursday.