Assistant Chief Constable Lauren Poultney has been appointed Deputy Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson announced the appointment yesterday (15 April). CC Watson will be moving on to head up Greater Manchester Police in May.

ACC Poultney will take up the post at the end of this month following former DCC Mark Roberts' appointment as Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary.

Throughout her 23 year policing career, ACC Poultney has undertaken both uniformed and detective roles, working in a number of areas including neighbourhood policing, major crime and protecting vulnerable people.

CC Watson said: “I’m pleased to announce Lauren Poultney as the next Deputy Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Police. Lauren has an extensive catalogue of achievements at a strategic level and brings a supportive and consultative leadership style whilst expecting the very highest standards.

“South Yorkshire Police is to experience a period of change within its leadership team as both the Deputy Chief Constable and I depart for challenges elsewhere but I’m absolutely confident that Lauren has the skillset and drive to continue our journey to become an outstanding police force and ensure South Yorkshire Police is recognised as the excellent force I believe it to be.”

ACC Lauren Poultney said she was “delighted” to have been appointed Deputy Chief Constable.

“I’ve been at South Yorkshire Police for four years and in that time, I have seen it develop at pace,” she said. “I’ve seen hard working people pull together to ensure we take great strides towards our goal of delivering an outstanding service to the residents of South Yorkshire and I’m confident that achievement is now within reach.”