Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has appointed a new Deputy Chief Constable.

DCC Samantha (Sam) de Reya will join the force on Monday, August 7 following a competitive interview process held last week.

Sam is currently Deputy Chief Constable for Dorset Police, having taken up the position in August 2021, and replaces Ben Snuggs, who joined Thames Valley Police as DCC earlier this year.

She was previously Assistant Chief Constable for Operations at Dorset Police, which she was appointed to in April 2020.

Sam joined Dorset from Devon & Cornwall Police, where she was Chief Superintendent and Commander for North, East and West Devon, leading frontline policing services, investigation, neighbourhood policing and partnerships.

A graduate of the UK National Strategic Command Course, she attended the FBI National Academy in 2018. 

As the National Police Chief Council’s (NPCC) Lead for Ethics and positive action champion throughout her career she is committed to creating positive ethical and inclusive environments where everyone in the workforce can thrive and deliver their best for communities.

Sam is an avid supporter of police charities, including Flint House rehabilitation centre, and is a champion for equal opportunities and inclusion.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: "I am delighted that Sam will be joining us as Deputy Chief Constable.

"Sam will bring considerable skills and experience to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, having previously held senior positions in two other forces and has a proven track record in delivering outstanding policing.

"I know she will be a real asset to the force and will be key to helping us deliver our priorities of exceptional local policing, relentlessly pursuing criminals and putting victims first."

Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary as Deputy Chief Constable.

"This is a fantastic, professional and progressive force that is clearly focused on keeping everyone safe in our communities and delivering the very best of service to victims of crime.

"I will use my experience and focus on performance to support teams across the organisation to proactively and relentlessly pursue criminality, provide excellent local policing to prevent and deter crime while putting victims at the centre of everything we do.

"We will continue to work through key partnerships to stay connected, visible and engaged with our communities.

"This is an exciting time to join the force and I am looking forward to meeting our brilliant teams and the communities we serve in the coming weeks."