A senior Wiltshire Police officer has been recognised with a Long Service Award in recognition of his contribution to policing and protecting vulnerable people.
Detective Superintendent Joe Garrity joined Wiltshire Police in August 2024 as a Detective Chief Inspector in the Vulnerability Directorate, having previously built up extensive experience in homicide and specialist crime investigations.
Before joining the force, he led the Metropolitan Police Service’s Special Enquiry Team, overseeing some of the country’s most complex and high-profile investigations involving politically exposed individuals.
Since arriving in Wiltshire, he has played a significant role in improving safeguarding services and strengthening the force’s response to vulnerability.
Initially serving as Prevent and Protect DCI, he led work covering multi-agency safeguarding, child protection, disclosure and barring, and partnership engagement.
His leadership and work to drive improvements saw him appointed Temporary Detective Superintendent within six months of joining the force. He was subsequently promoted to the rank permanently in June 2025.
In 2025, Det Supt Garrity also led Wiltshire Police’s response to a national cyber attack under Operation Alva.
As Senior Investigating Officer, he coordinated the force and regional response to the unprecedented incident, developing processes which later received national recognition and were adopted as best practice for future major incident responses.
Much of his work has focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable people, including children and young people.
Working alongside colleagues and partner agencies, he has helped deliver significant improvements across safeguarding and vulnerability services, with many changes introduced ahead of formal inspection outcomes.
Wiltshire Police said his work had helped establish the force as a nationally recognised organisation for its approach to vulnerability, safeguarding and protecting children and young people.
The force also praised his integrity, professionalism and commitment to public service, saying his leadership had inspired colleagues to maintain the highest standards.
The Long Service Award recognises his achievements and the difference he has made to the lives of people across the communities he serves.
