COMMUNITIES in Mid Devon, Exeter and East Devon now have a new police commander looking out for them.

On Monday, November 9, Devon and Cornwall Police announced the new appointment of Superintendent Sam de Reya as local police commander for Exeter, East and Mid Devon.

She started the post with immediate effect and said she is really excited to be working with an excellent team of officers and staff.

She takes the role over from Supt Keith Perkin.

Supt de Reya has 20 years experience in the police, joining Devon and Cornwall from Northumbria in 1999.

She joined Devon and Cornwall from Northumbria Police in 1999.

In her previous role as the head of Devon and Cornwall’s Professional Standards Department, she managed public complaints and police misconduct and worked on delivery of the new police reforms, as well as being regional lead for Counter Corruption.

Supt de Reya said: “I feel incredibly privileged to be joining the Exeter, East and Mid Devon policing team.

“I have a particular affiliation with the area, living in Devon with my family and having worked across the policing area in four different uniform and detective roles.”

Her previous appointments include front line policing, CID, child protection and as the East and Mid Devon crime manager.

She added: “My focus will be on engaging with people and partners to understand the needs of the community and that policing is delivered where it is needed most, to provide a professional policing service to ensure people living, working and visiting are kept safe.

Supt de Reya also stressed the team she is inheriting is in her opinion great.

“I am really excited to be working with the excellent team of officers and staff I have assumed responsibility for from Supt Keith Perkin," she said.

“I hope to build on the good work that they have achieved.”

She will be working to deliver the force’s mission to detect and prevent harm, protect the vulnerable and reduce crime.

She will be getting out and about in the area over the next few weeks to speak to partners and people in the community to understand their policing needs.