'I'm the right person for Rotherham,' says borough's new top cop

NEW district commander Chief Supt Una Jennings says she is the right person to lead Rotherham’s police — pledging: “I’ll deliver the right outcomes."
Chief Supt Una JenningsChief Supt Una Jennings
Chief Supt Una Jennings

NEW district commander Chief Supt Una Jennings says she is the right person to lead Rotherham’s police — pledging: “I’ll deliver the right outcomes.”

The borough’s top officer took up her role today (Monday) having spent 17 years as an officer, most recently as part of Sheffield’s command team.

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Chief Supt Jennings is also South Yorkshire Police’s lead on armed criminality and knife crime — and she sits on the national working group for knife crime too.

“Technical stuff aside, I’m also a mum to a fantastic 15-year-old and have a partner, who also works for the police,” she added.

“I chose this career for very clear reasons and I am extremely proud to be a police officer. 

“We work hard to change lives. When people call us, they need our help and I am committed to providing the best possible service now and in the future.”

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Legacy issues — including from Rotherham’s CSE scandal and the Battle of Orgreave — remain an issue for South Yorkshire Police.

Chief Supt Jennings said hailing from Ulster and starting her career with the Police Service of Northern Ireland means she understands legacy. 

She added: “I am from a place that understands courage, compassion and connection.

“Understanding and responding to legacy issues is critical, but we must also make sure that policing of the past does not destroy or disempower policing in the present. It’s a delicate balance, but a crucial one, which I appreciate better than most.”

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Chief Supt Jennings said she was instantly hooked on life in South Yorkshire, describing it as a place full of life and optimism.

“The people are second to none,” she added. “You deserve the best of policing and our force can give you that.

“I have been preparing for this role for a long time; my strengths lie in investigation and vulnerability and these are what Rotherham needs. 

“I understand the balance between operational effectiveness and building confidence in fragile communities, I’m convinced that really good policing can create positive change. 

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“It’s about so much more than crime. It’s about equality, education and community cohesion. 

“I am the right person to be in Rotherham and I will deliver the right outcomes at the right time, I hope I can convince you of that.”

Asked what her priorities would be for Rotherham, Chief Supt Jennings said: “Putting connections at the centre of what we do.

“I want to develop relationships with partners, the community and my team. This is the best catalyst for enhanced performance. 

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“With this comes a request: I’d like to ask you to take time to get to know us! We have good days and bad days, but we are and should always be ready to help.

“Please do get in touch and tell us about your concerns. I’m also really keen to hear about the great stuff happening in Rotherham, the groups and projects you’re part of and how we can make those work even better.”

She concluded: “There is no doubt a gap between the reality and perception of policing in Rotherham.

“We can’t shy away from that, what I want to do is bridge that gap. Working with you is how I’m going to do that.”

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