South Yorkshire Police welcome first female chief

Ms Poultney said she would be “honoured” to lead the force.

“I am delighted to have been announced as the preferred candidate for the role of Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Police,” she added.

“South Yorkshire Police has undertaken a huge transformation to become the force it is today and I am confident it has the potential to progress further with the clear plan we have set out.

“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.”

Dr Alan Billings, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire, said:

“I am delighted to announce Lauren Poultney as my preferred candidate to be the new Chief Constable of South Yorkshire.

“Lauren joined SYP as an Assistant Chief Constable in 2017 and has been a key member of the successful Senior Leadership Team that has brought the force to be 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. 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.

“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.”