A SENIOR police officer is retiring after 30 years in the force.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Wright is retiring from West Mercia Constabulary after working his way up the ladder from a police constable.

The 50-year-old joined the force in 1978 and has spent his entire career with West Mercia police.

As a uniformed police officer Mr Wright worked in Redditch, Bromsgrove, Rubery and Ludlow.

He had a spell with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary before being promoted to superintendent in 1994.

During his time as a superintendent he led West Mercia Constabulary’s 2000+ programme, introducing changes to the way the force is run across West Mercia, including Worcestershire. He is also an experienced operational commander in firearms and civil contingencies.

Mr Wright became one of the educational leaders for the force and has helped change the way officers are trained – the first student officer graduation ceremony took place in August.

He said: “I’ve had a very fulfilling career with West Mercia.

“I have enjoyed many highs during my time with the force. Being able to engage with communities and helping to sort out issues that affect them is one of the most enjoyable aspects of policing and is something I have carried with me throughout my career.

“Obviously every job has its downsides and being a police officer you see many terrible sights, but the cases that involve the death of a child are the most difficult to bear.”

Mr Wright plans to travel with his wife of 28 years across Portugal and Spain and tour the British coast next spring.

Paying tribute to his work, Paul West, West Mercia’s Chief Constable, said: “He has made a massive and vital contribution to the way in which West Mercia Constabulary works to serve and protect those who live in, work in and visit the force area.”