A NEW district commander has been announced for policing in Hart and Rushmoor, who has outlined her priorities to investigate vehicle crime, burglaries, shoplifting and business crimes.
Chief Inspector Gillian Cox has been appointed as the new district commander for the area, after joining Hampshire Constabulary in 2003.
Beginning her 20-year policing career in Basingstoke, where she spent 12 years, in 2006 she was promoted to the rank of sergeant and enjoyed several roles including custody investigation team sergeant and custody sergeant, while raising two children with her husband.
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In Basingstoke, Gillian was heavily involved in the transition from the London Road custody block to the Northern Police Investigation Centre when it opened in 2017.
Later that year, Gillian moved to the control room to gain a wider understanding of the force and went on to complete the Tactical Firearms Commanders (TFC) course.
Two years later, she passed the inspector promotion board and was promoted to response and patrol inspector in the north of the county.
Gillian became a chief inspector in 2022 and was responsible for managing approximately 300 frontline response and patrol officers across five different sites.
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Ch Insp Cox said: “I’m lucky enough to have enjoyed a 20-year career in policing and I’m fortunate to have spent that time working in a variety of roles across different areas.
“Community policing is a huge passion of mine and I’m thrilled to be the new District Commander for Hart and Rushmoor.
“My teams across the district are extremely motivated and work hard to tackle issues that matter to the communities we serve.
“My current priorities for the district are to continue investigating vehicle crime, burglaries and shoplifting and business crimes.
“Throughout October we were incredibly successful with our efforts to combat shoplifting throughout the district and I’m pleased to say we were able to bring charges and put offenders before the courts.
“My message is clear – criminal behaviour in Hart and Rushmoor will not be tolerated and those that commit crime in the area will be dealt with.
“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure every part of the district is a safe area for those that work, live and visit.”
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