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

The announcement follows the departure of Stephen Watson, who has left the force to take up the role of Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police.

DCC Poultney was recently appointed as Deputy Chief Constable following the departure of DCC Mark Roberts, who was appointed Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary last month.

She will step into the role with effect from today (Monday 17 May).

DCC Poultney joined the force as Assistant Chief Constable in 2017 from Humberside Police.

Lauren has been a police officer for 23 years and has undertaken both uniformed and detective roles in a range of areas, including neighbourhood policing, major crime and protecting vulnerable people. Nationally she has led on Problem Solving and Demand Reduction and is the Chair of the College of Policing Guideline Committee on Problem Solving.

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “As PCC it is my responsibility to recruit and appoint a Chief Constable. The recruitment process for a permanent successor to Stephen Watson is currently ongoing. I am delighted to appoint Lauren as Temporary Chief Constable to take charge of the force until a permanent appointment has been made.

“Lauren is a very experienced police officer who has been part of the leadership team that has guided South Yorkshire Police from being a force in need of improvement to one that is outstanding in many areas. I know that she will provide excellent leadership to the Force over the coming weeks until a permanent Chief Constable is appointed.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Forber will be acting as temporary Deputy Chief Constable until the Chief Constable appointment has been made.