Wiltshire Police DCC Paul Mills has retired. Picture: Wiltshire Police

Wiltshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills retires

Paul JonesMay 14, 20260 Comment0

PAUL Mills – Wiltshire Police Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) – has retired.

It marks the end of a 32-year career in the force, and an eight-year stint as DCC which began on the day the county was hit by the Novichok attack in Salisbury.

DCC Mills played a pivotal role in the local and national response to both the Salisbury and Amesbury incidents, chairing the Strategic Coordination Group, and overseeing the multi‑agency response involving 26 partner organisations.

His leadership during this period was recognised with the award of the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM), presented at Windsor Castle.

DCC Mills began his policing career with Northamptonshire Police where he undertook both uniform and detective roles, before transferring to Wiltshire Police in 2007 as a chief inspector, taking on responsibility for neighbourhood policing.

He then progressed to detective superintendent in 2010 as the head of professional standards, and chief superintendent in 2012, overseeing local policing across the county.

In 2014, he was appointed assistant chief constable with responsibility for the crime and justice portfolio.

He has also worked nationally, through secondments to HMICFRS and the Home Office, and through his role as the National Police Chiefs’ Council portfolio lead for harassment and stalking.

Alongside his operational leadership, DCC Mills led the Wiltshire Police response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following his role as the Wiltshire Police corporate witness and lead for the national policing operation for The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry, DCC Mills was seconded to Thames Valley Police where he has undertaken the role of their designated gross misconduct proceedings chair.

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable, Catherine Roper, said: “Paul’s priority has always been delivering the best possible policing service.

“His career has been defined by his calm professionalism, and he has navigated some of the most significant moments in recent policing history.

“His experience and judgement is recognised throughout policing, and I would like to thank him for his dedication to all the communities he has served.

“I wish him the very best upon his retirement from Wiltshire Police.”