Deputy set to be appointed to top police role

SOUTH Yorkshire Police is set to appoint a woman to its top role for the first time.
Lauren PoultneyLauren Poultney
Lauren Poultney

Lauren Poultney has been announced as the preferred candidate to be Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police — just six days after taking on the role on a temporary basis.

Ms Poultney was appointed to the role of Deputy Chief Constable in April and took on the role of Temporary Chief Constable last Wednesday following the departure of former Chief Constable Stephen Watson to Greater Manchester Police.

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Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner, announced Ms Poultney as his preferred candidate today (Monday) following a two-day selection process, but her appointment will need to be approved by the county’s police and crime panel on June 11.

Ms Poultney has been a police officer for 23 years and has worked in both uniformed and detective roles in a range of areas, including neighbourhood policing, major crime and protecting vulnerable people.

Nationally, she has led on problem solving and demand reduction and is the chair of the College of Policing Guideline Committee on problem solving.

Ms Poultney joined SYP as Assistant Chief Constable in 2017 from Humberside Police.

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Dr Billings said Ms Poultney had been a key member of the senior leadership team which had led the force to being one of the top performing forces in the country.

“The assessment process was rigorous and demanding and Lauren demonstrated that she had the skills and experience we need,” he said.

“She particularly understands what is needed to take South Yorkshire Police forward in the next stage of its journey to being an outstanding force across all areas.

“She understands that the task now is not to rescue a poorly performing force but to further improve a force that is performing well.

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“I am confident that she will ensure that South Yorkshire remains a safe place to live, work and learn, that victims of crime will be well supported and that the force continues its strong partnership working to prevent crime.

“This will be the second time I have appointed a Chief Constable and I have no doubt that the leadership Lauren Poultney will bring, though different from her predecessor, Stephen Watson, will be equally successful.”

Ms Poultney said the force had undergone a huge transformation and had the potential to progress further.

“We remain committed to becoming an ‘outstanding’ police force in all areas, and having witnessed the calibre of its people, I firmly believe the force has what it takes,” she said.

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“Our communities have the right to expect the highest standard of service from the police not only in their hour of need, but in preventing harm.

“If granted the role by the police and crime panel, I would be honoured to lead the force through the final steps required to deliver on this aim.”

Ms Poultney, who is married and has one child and two dogs, will have a five-year contract if approved by the panel.