'Protecting the vulnerable is a priority': Meet the award-winning female detective named Leeds police chief

A senior detective honoured by the King for her dedication to public service has taken up the role of Leeds District Commander.

Detective Chief Superintendent Heather Whoriskey’s career spans over two decades of exploring homicide investigations, organised crime and safeguarding.

And now that she is heading up policing in Leeds she says protecting vulnerable people and improving frontline policing will be at the heart of her approach.

She said: “Leeds is the largest district in West Yorkshire and also one of the biggest in the country.

“While that comes with its challenges, it also means that when we get our policing approach right it brings the opportunity to make a real positive impact for a significant number of people.

“I want for the district what I believe those working and living in the district want; for us to attend incidents in a timely manner and to do a good job when we get there.

“I know there are many positive examples of officers and staff across Leeds who already do deliver consistently, who take an innovative approach to problem solving and who work collaboratively with partners to achieve better, longer lasting results for our communities.

Det Chief Sup Whoriskey began her career at the Police Service of Northern Ireland where she spent 15 years, working her way up from a police constable to a detective inspector.

Since then, she has worked at West Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.

She has most recently been acting up as Assistant Chief Constable at West Yorkshire Police with responsibility for regional policing.

She was awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM) in this year’s King’s New Year Honours for her operational skill, strategic leadership and commitment to public service.

She takes on the role of Leeds District Commander from Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds who has taken on a new role within West Yorkshire Police’s Operational Support department.

She added: ““My role as district commander is to build on this good work but to also challenge when we don’t get it right, ensuring that we are working efficiently, and providing a high quality of service to victims and witnesses.

“I have been a detective for the past two decades and during that time have worked in areas such as serious and organised crime and homicide investigation, as well as leading district responses to crime and safeguarding.

“Making sure we get our approach to domestic abuse right and that we are protecting vulnerable people in our communities are an absolute priority for me.”