IT’S ALL change at the top for Wokingham’s policing as a new area commander settled in this week.
Superintendent Felicity Parker has been appointed as new Commander for the Bracknell and Wokingham Local Policing Area (LPA) and started on Monday.
She takes over from Shaun Virtue, who retired from the force after 30 years’ service on the same day.
Supt Parker has moved over from the Protecting Vulnerable People’s department, and Thames Valley Police said that she brings a wealth of experience including multi-agency safeguarding, risk management for victims of domestic abuse and investigating serious crimes.
A significant amount of her time was spent working with local authorities and health agencies to improve the response in supporting children and vulnerable adults within our communities.
Supt Parker has led several complex investigations focusing on domestic abuse which have resulted in convictions for murder and attempted murder. She also led the Thames Valley Police response to modern slavery over the last two years; a new type of crime that takes many forms including forced labour, human trafficking and criminal exploitation.
Supt Parker said: “I am really excited to become LPA Commander and look forward to building on the positive culture the teams have developed in the Bracknell and Wokingham LPA.
“I want to ensure staff and officers are focussed on preventing crime as their primary objective; whether that be through our Neighbourhood teams working closely with local communities, or being proactive in deterring organised criminals from the area.
“Having worked predominately around vulnerability, I am keen to maintain a focus on reducing the harm caused by domestic abuse, alongside partner agencies, to improve the future for children and adults in the longer term.
“I am aware of an increase in thefts and burglaries in the area, so looking to build an intelligence picture to tackle this issue and reduce the impact these crimes have.”
