A POLICE officer with more than 24 years' experience has been named as the new Assistant Chief Constable of Dorset.

Julie Fielding moves from a post as Chief Superintendent with Devon and Cornwall Police.

Julie has already worked with Dorset officers as part of the strategic alliance and said she is looking forward to the challenges her new role will bring.

Her experience ranges from patrol and detective roles to Head of Crime and Justice and, most recently, Policing Commander for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

She said: "I applied for the post in Dorset to work alongside officers and staff in the county to deliver the best policing service.

"These are challenging times in policing and I look forward to working with partners and communities to keep Dorset safe.

"I am fortunate to have worked with staff in Dorset through the strategic alliance and part of my role will be to ensure that, with increased demand, we continue to tackle the issues which are important in local communities whilst planning ahead for the future."

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill added: ‘’I would like to congratulate Julie on her new role as Assistant Chief Constable. Her experience and dedication will be a great asset to the communities we serve and I very much look forward to working with her in the future."