Chief Superintendent Amanda Ford has been appointed as the new Area Commander for Belfast, becoming the first woman to hold the post.

Ford, who has 18 years of policing experience, succeeds Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay. She joined the Police Service of Northern Ireland in 2008 and has served in various local policing roles across Belfast, Mid Ulster, and Newry, Mourne and Down.

Her previous positions include senior roles in the Operational Support Department and Executive Office, where she handled portfolios such as Chief of Staff, Protective Services, Armed Policing, and Strategic Partnerships. She contributed to the delivery of the South Armagh Review in 2019.

In a statement, Ford said her priorities align with the Northern Ireland Policing Plan, focusing on supporting victims, protecting the vulnerable, maintaining visible neighbourhood policing, and ensuring officers are properly supported.

She noted that the PSNI is operating with limited financial investment for growth, requiring collaborative work with partner organisations to meet community needs through early planning and coordination.

Ford committed to tackling the issues causing the most harm in Belfast, including violence, exploitation, anti-social behaviour, hate crime, and the impact of drugs and organised criminality.

She plans to visit local stations to hear from officers about their concerns and requirements, and she welcomed engagement with stakeholders and agencies to keep Belfast safe for residents and visitors.