New Basingstoke and Deane police district commander Hayley O’Grady ‘delighted’ to take on role
The new police district commander for Basingstoke and Deane hopes to “make a positive impact to a large number of different people” in her new role.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has welcomed chief inspector Hayley O’Grady as the new district commander for the borough.
She replaces chief inspector Scott Johnson, who has become the new district commander for the New Forest.
Mrs O’Grady said: “I’m delighted to be taking over as the new district commander for Basingstoke and Deane.
“Basingstoke and Deane is an exciting place to police.
“The district has its complexities with a large town and a vast rural landscape, but I see that as a huge opportunity to make a positive impact to a large number of different people.
“I feel I have the experience which will enable me to hit the ground running.
“I have spent 21 years working a variety of roles in Southampton and have gained invaluable experience over the past 27 months as the district commander for Test Valley.
“Now, my role is to ensure we are targeting and responding to the biggest risks in Basingstoke and Deane and my priorities are to tackle serious violence, sexual offences, domestic abuse and rural crime.”
Mrs O’Grady stepped into the world of policing in 2001, beginning her career in the New Forest.
She was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2014 and became an inspector in 2019.
Ch Insp O’Grady has a broad range of operational experience, having worked as a public order officer, custody sergeant and tactical firearms commander.
Outside of work, she likes to play netball and enjoys camping trips with her husband and two daughters.