New Inspector takes charge of policing in south Derbyshire

A new Inspector has taken charge of policing in south Derbyshire – returning to the first area he served in the county.

Inspector Mike Sisman began his policing career with West Midlands Police 21 years ago before moving to Derbyshire in 2007.

The 46-year-old’s first role was as the Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant in Swadlincote, a position he remembers with fondness.

Insp Sisman said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Swadlincote and made really strong links with partners at South Derbyshire District Council.

“While I moved away to other areas of the force I always wanted to return to the south of the county.”

After his stint in Swadlincote Insp Sisman took up a sergeant’s post in Peartree before moving into investigating serious crimes with the CID team before being promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2020.

Insp Sisman said: “In many ways the last two decades of service have led me to being given the huge honour of becoming the new Inspector for south Derbyshire.

“I am keenly aware of the many and varied communities that we serve as I both live very close to the area and have friends and family who live across the district.”

Since his last posting in the area there has been several changes to the area – with a substantial increase in population thanks to several new housing estates both around Swadlincote and Hilton, and on the edge of Derby.

Insp Sisman said: “While there have been changes over the years, I remain a strong believer that the key to solving issues is through strong relationships with our partners – as well as the communities we serve.

“There are key areas that I and the team will be focusing on including knife crime, domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.

“But as restrictions allow, I will be getting out and about to visit all the areas of the district to understand the issues that are affecting those communities.

“I have inherited a fantastic team from my predecessor Insp Chris Thornhill whose legacy I aim to continue to ensure that south Derbyshire is a happy and safe place to live, work and visit.”