A NEW FOREST woman has joined the female elite of the police force by becoming the third woman to take the job of Chief Constable.

Jane Stichbury, 43, who grew up in Burley and went to Brockenhurst College is the new number one at Dorset.

The position marks a return to her roots after 22 years in the Metropolitan Police where she rose to the role of Deputy Assistant Commissioner.

Less than a month ago she was in initial command of the horrific Soho pub nail bombing and was one of the senior commanders dealing with a tense siege at the Greek Embassy.

But despite the contrast between London life and rural policing, Mrs Stichbury said the two jobs have something in common.

"The problems and issues in the two areas are very similar. Residents, business and a large transient popu-lation need to be considered in both areas, as does tourism and the resulting possibilities for criminals.'

"I am out to ensure that we contin-ue to deliver on crime reduction."

The new Dorset Chief Constable is married and lives in the east of the county. Her move means she will be able to enjoy her hobbies of dog-walking and horse-riding.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.