South Devon has a new head of police, Chief Superintendent Nikki Leaper and Cllr Mike Joyce was given the opportunity to meet the new commander and ask her some questions.

Q. Who is Ch Supt Leaper?

A. Chief Supt Nikki Leaper is the Policing Commander for South Devon covering Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams. She is returning to home ground following a posting as Alliance Operations Commander for both Devon & Cornwall and Dorset police forces.

Her previous role gave her responsibility for dog units, drones, roads policing, firearms, firearms licensing, resource management, contingency planning and events.

Ch Supt Leaper began her policing career more than 17 years ago. Leaving behind a successful international career with United Airlines, she wanted to find a role that supported the community she lives in.

She has held a number of positions with Devon & Cornwall Police including Deputy Director of Intelligence and a secondment to the Home Office.

She has also studied with Cambridge University gaining a master’s degree in Applied Criminology focussing on evidence-based policing.

Ch Supt Leaper’s South Devon BCU (Basic Command Unit) covers South Hams, Torbay and Teignbridge.

It has approximately 450 personnel including officers, staff, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and volunteers.

Local teams are supported by additional officers from the wider Devon and Cornwall force and cover all aspects of policing including response, neighbourhood and crime. They work closely with local authorities, organisations, partners and communities.

She told me: ‘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 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.’

Q. What does Ch Supt Leaper believe are the current and emerging challenges her officers are facing?

A. ‘The police service faces both new and evolving crime challenges over the coming years and we will see a greater use of technology. COVID19 has created societal changes and impacted our economy, the pandemic has affected some communities more than others widening inequalities, creating vulnerabilities, mental health, risk of harm.

‘However, the policing teams are working with partners, private, public, voluntary sector to share data and build analytical resource to understand problems, impact and outcomes. There will be greater emphasis on solving problems, focussing on proactive prevention, involving communities at every stage.

‘Improving the safety and wellbeing of communities by delivering prevention through partnerships. The global pandemic has strengthened partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors and this will enhance our policing service.’

Q. Does Ch Supt Leaper see her role as ensuring the public knows about those challenges and what form the policing response will take?

A. ‘Absolutely, I am privileged to serve as the Policing Commander for South Devon and I want to ensure my teams and I keep the communities up to date on challenges and on our service delivery.

‘However, this is not just a one-way conversation, we also want to hear from our communities to help shape policing in the local area and build a richer conversation to develop a better understanding of our communities’ needs, risks and threats, working together as we go forward.’

Q. How does Ch Supt Leaper envisage working with councils, volunteers, the varied local health and pressure groups?

A. ‘Since October 2020, when I took up this post, I have been meeting partners, councillors, volunteers, members of the public, albeit most have been virtual meetings, to listen to people’s views. It is important to listen to understand the different views and perspectives. To consider the different sides of a situation and ensure that each side is given equal consideration and then work together to negotiate through potential issues, to find a way forward.’

Q. With regards to police advocates, how does Ch Supt see this role as being of assistance to her task and what can advocates additionally do?

A. ‘Police advocates are very important and can help improve communication between the police and the public, for example the Councillor Advocate Scheme builds communication links between local councillors, the police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

‘We share information relating to crime and community safety for example, so councillors along with the police can inform the public about crime and policing. In addition, councillors can bring views from their communities to the police.’

Ch Supt Leaper can be followed on twitter @ChSuptLeaper.time,