As Devon & Cornwall’s lead for the police Code of Ethics, championing ethical behaviour in the service, she is vice-chair of the Force’s Ethics Committee and remains co-chair of the South West Regional Police Ethics Network. She completed the national Police Strategic Command Course in March 2020 and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

As a senior female police officer and former gender representative of the Police Superintendents’ Association, Sam is actively involved in supporting equal opportunities and inclusion. She established the South West Women in Leadership programme in 2013, to help female police personnel to fulfil their full potential.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said he was delighted to announce the appointment and was looking 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,” he said.

Martyn Underhill added, “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 bring to the role. She will be a valuable addition to the Chief Officer team and I look forward to working with her.”