Rachel Farrell confirmed as new Chief Constable of Dorset Police

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has welcomed the confirmation of Rachel Farrell as the new Chief Constable of Dorset Police following a hearing by the Dorset Police and Crime Panel.

Rachel Farrell, who currently serves as Deputy Chief Constable, was announced as the Commissioner’s preferred candidate in May and will succeed Chief Constable Amanda Pearson, who retires later this summer.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "I am delighted that Rachel Farrell has been confirmed as the new Chief Constable of Dorset Police. Rachel was selected as my preferred candidate because of her outstanding leadership, extensive operational experience and clear commitment to public service. Throughout her policing career, she has demonstrated the professionalism, integrity and determination needed to lead Dorset Police into the future.

Having served Dorset for many years, Rachel understands our communities, the challenges facing modern policing and the importance of maintaining the highest standards while continuing to deliver an excellent service to the public. I know she shares my ambition to make Dorset the safest county in the country, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to reduce crime, support victims and keep our communities safe.”

I would also like to thank Chief Constable Amanda Pearson for her dedicated leadership and service to Dorset Police, and I wish her all the very best for her retirement."

Appointed as Chief Constable, Rachel Farrell said: “I am delighted and honoured to lead Dorset Police, having served communities in Dorset and Hampshire for over 30 years. I care deeply about public service and, throughout my time, I have never lost sight of what matters: keeping people safe, protecting the vulnerable, bringing offenders to justice and earning the trust and confidence of communities.

“I am committed to Dorset remaining one of the safest counties in the country, to Dorset Police continuing to improve and strengthen, and that my officers, staff and volunteers have the support they need to thrive and give the best possible service.”

Rachel Farrell brings more than three decades of policing experience and has held a range of leadership roles during her career, including responsibility for tackling serious and complex crime, protecting vulnerable people and leading major investigations.

As Deputy Chief Constable, she has played a key role in the strategic leadership of Dorset Police and in delivering services for communities across the county.

She will formally take up the Chief Constable role later this summer.