A NEW Assistant Chief Constable for Operations has been appointed by Dorset Police.

Chief Superintendent Sam de Reya was selected on Friday April 24 following an appointment process, supported by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell and Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis.

Sam’s most recent role was Commander for North, East and West Devon at Devon & Cornwall Police leading frontline policing services, investigation, neighbourhood policing and partnerships.

She joined Northumbria Police in 1996 where she was a police constable, detective and tutor, transferring to Devon & Cornwall Police in 1999. She has enjoyed a broad and challenging career including leadership roles as a local police area commander, crime investigation manager, Public Protection Unit supervisor, head of the Professional Standards Department and lead for a major forcewide IT change programme.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “I am delighted to appoint Sam to this crucial role and I look forward to welcoming her into the Dorset Police family in early summer.

“She has a wealth of experience in a range of policing roles and will be a valuable asset to the Chief Officer team.”

Chief Superintendent Sam de Reya said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the brilliant team at Dorset Police and feel privileged to be taking on the role of ACC Operations. I am looking forward enormously to getting to know people and communities across Dorset.”