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05

May

Last Updated: 05/05/2026
Crime
Crime

North Yorkshire Police appoints new head of crime and operational support

by Flora Grafton

| 05 May, 2026
Comment

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tim-forber-and-nikki-shimwell-1
Chief constable Tim Forber and Nikki Shemwell.

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North Yorkshire Police announced today (May 5) that it has appointed a new head of crime and operational support.

Nikki Shemwell has accepted the role of detective chief superintendent for head of crime and operational support following a selection process that concluded on Friday (May 1).

She will succeed detective chief superintendent Fran Naughton, who is retiring this year.

Ms Shemwell previously worked for South Yorkshire Police for 25 years – the last two as head of serious and organised crime.

She has also served as a detective inspector in Rotherham, a detective chief inspector in Doncaster and a detective superintendent in Sheffield.

Chief constable Tim Forber (pictured) led a selection panel that also included deputy chief constable Scott Bisset. 

Emma Phillips, head of children’s partnerships and evaluation at North Yorkshire Council, also sat on the panel as an independent member.

Chief constable Forber described the appointment as “critical” for North Yorkshire Police as it continues a “journey to become outstanding”.

He added:

Nikki is an experienced PIP3 serious and organised crime senior investigating officer, a kidnap and extortion senior investigating officer, and tactical firearms commander. She also brings experience of working with priority-based budgeting, which is a key part of the force’s financial strategy.

I have been involved in selecting superintendents and chief superintendents for about 10 years and this was by far the strongest field of candidates that I have interviewed. Three of the five candidates were external, which speaks of how well the force is being viewed.

I look forward to welcoming Nikki to the force in the next few months.

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