Meet the new Police Commander for South Devon

Chief Superintendent Nikki Leaper has been announced as the new police commander for South Devon, covering Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams.

Chief Superintendent Leaper is returning to her home ground following her posting as the Alliance Operations Commander for both Devon & Cornwall and Dorset police forces. Her previous role saw her responsible for both forces’ dog units, drones, roads policing, firearms, firearms licensing, resource management and contingency planning and events. She said: “I’ve spent the majority of my police life in South Devon. I started here as a PC and have worked in many roles including custody and response. I am so pleased to be coming back as the commander and to be working with such a fantastic team of officers and staff who are dedicated to keeping the communities in South Devon safe.

“I’m looking forward to working together with our partners from a variety of organisations from not only public sector, but private and voluntary. Making sure that South Devon is a safe place to live, work and visit is always our priority and we know that Devon and Cornwall are the safest places in the UK. I also want to make sure the police officers, PCSOs, staff and volunteers who work in South Devon are supported and valued. They are what makes policing in South Devon such a success.”

Chief Superintendent Leaper began her policing career over 17 years ago and started out in South Devon. Leaving behind a successful international career with United Airlines, she wanted to find a career that supported the community she lives in. She has carried out a variety of roles with Devon & Cornwall Police including the Deputy Director of Intelligence and a secondment out of force with the Home Office.

During her time with the force she has also studied with Cambridge University gaining a Masters degree in Applied Criminology focussing on evidence based policing. 

Chief Superintendent Leaper begins the new role on Monday 5 October, and you can follow her on twitter @ChSuptLeaper.


--- Note to readers: This message has been disseminated by Devon and Cornwall Police - please visit their official website for further information.