DORSET Police has formally announced its new chief constable who is due to join the force at the start of next month. 

Amanda Pearson, who lives in the county, was appointed following a police and crime panel hearing yesterday (Thursday, February 2) and has 30 years' experience in policing. 

Ms Pearson will join Dorset Police on Wednesday, March 1, the force said, having served as chief officer in the Metropolitan Police Service in London. 

She was named as the preferred candidate in January. 

Ms Pearson will take over the role from Scott Chilton, who leaves Dorset to become the new Chief Constable for Hampshire.

“I am honoured that I will have the opportunity to lead Dorset Police as the Chief Constable and I cannot wait to get started in the role," she said.

“It’s been my ambition to be chief of my home patch, and I’m delighted that to have been given this opportunity.

"I am personally invested in the people of Dorset and the future of the county.

“As your Chief Constable, I want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live, work and visit one of the safest places in the country.

“I want us to be visible, connected with our communities and effective crime fighters.

"It is essential that not only do we make Dorset the safest in the country, but that people feel safe.”

Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: "I am delighted that Amanda will be the next Chief Constable of Dorset and I would like to formally congratulate her.

“What Dorset needs is a Chief Constable who will drive forward and deliver on the Police and Crime Plan and policing vision that is already fundamentally delivering for the people of Dorset.

"I want Dorset to be the safest county and I know that Amanda shares that ambition.”

For more information on the appointment click here.