Dorset Police have announced the appointment of a new Assistant Chief Constable for Operations – Chief Superintendent Samantha (Sam) de Reya.
Sam joined Northumbria Police in 1996 as a police constable, detective and tutor, before transferring to Devon and Cornwall Police in 1999. While there, she was their lead for the police Code of Ethics, championing ethical behaviour in the force. Despite her change in location and role, Sam remains vice-chair of the Ethics Committee for the Force and co-chair of the South West Regional Police Ethics Network.
During her career since then, Sam has held leadership roles as a local police area commander, crime investigation manager, Public Protection Unit supervisor, head of the Professional Standards Department, and the lead for a major IT change programme across the police force.
Before starting her role as Assistant Chief Constable for Dorset Police, Sam added to her already impressive list of achievements by completing the national Police Strategic Command Course in March this year, and graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Most recently, she was Commander for North, East and West Devon & Cornwall Police, leading frontline policing services, investigation, neighbourhood policing and partnerships.
As a female police officer in a senior position, and a former gender representative of the Police Superintendents’ Association, Sam is active in supporting equal opportunities and inclusion for all, and established the South West Women in Leadership programme, to help female police personnel reach their potential, in 2013.
Speaking about the appointment, 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.”
Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, also spoke of his enthusiasm to see Sam step into the role: “Sam has had an incredibly varied career within policing and I am sure the Force will benefit from the high levels of expertise she will being to the role. She will be a valuable addition to the Chief Officer team and I look forward to working with her.”
Sam herself is excited to begin her new position: “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.”