Lancashire Police has appointed a new divisional commander for the South Division.

Chief Superintendent Eddie Newton will operate under Lancashire Constabulary’s South Division, covering Chorley, Preston, South Ribble, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale.

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Chief Supt Newton has over 29 years of policing experience, having worked as Response PC, Rural Beat Officer to Sergeant, Geographic Inspector and Superintendent, mainly working across South Division, between roles at police headquarters.

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Each policing area used to have a divisional commander before a restructure in 2016, which saw a move to more thematic, centralised leadership.

The reintroduction of the role will improve the accountability and delivery of local policing services.

It followed a review of structures, including seeking the views of officers, staff and partner agencies, who felt that they needed local commanders to enhance service delivery, particularly partnership working.

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Chief Supt Newton said: “I am delighted and very proud to take up the position of Divisional Commander in the area I am passionate about and in which I have spent so much of my service.

“My role in the division will be to understand the local issues of the communities and work with strategic partners to build collaborative community safety relationships to be able to focus on long-term solutions. 

“Having a proactive approach, along with honest and open conversations, will allow us to work together to concentrate on problem-solving, ensuring the right support is provided by the right organisations.

“It is my aim to develop and continue the high level of commitment and expertise of the local policing team to enable us to play our part in preventing and investigating crime and keeping the Lancashire public safe; by doing our job well and getting it right first time, every time.”

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Chief Supt Newton is also the chair of the Lancashire Police Superintendents Association and a Trustee of the North West Police Benevolent Fund for the last five years.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said: “This is an example of what I have been pushing for, ensuring that local policing has the ability to focus on issues that matter most to people, where they live.

“I’m pleased that the Chief Constable is strengthening the ability of each policing division to tackle the unique challenges within their areas and help address local concerns.

“With hundreds of new police officers recruited and out onto our streets to keep people safe, the reintroduction of divisional commanders will ensure accountability against what the Chief Constable and myself want to see, which is criminals off our streets and the people of Lancashire feeling safer.

“My message remains a simple one – I am on your side. I will support the force in cracking down on criminals, making sure all of Lancashire’s areas and communities feel protected and work with the Chief Constable on the issues that matter to people, such as anti-social behaviour and getting tough on reoffending.”

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