THE newly-installed police chief for Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley has set out her plans to tackle crime, strengthen relationships with communities and help bring the police force out of special measures.

Emily Higham was appointed asWigan borough’s district commander back in September as part of the “most ambitious senior recruitment process that has ever been seen in Greater Manchester Police”, led by Chief Constable Stephen Watson.

The chief superintendent was born and bred in the borough and wants to use her knowledge of the area to benefit communities.

Chief Supt Higham said: “I did my probation in Leigh […] and I will spend 50 per cent of my time in Leigh and 50 per cent in Wigan, while a senior leader will always be working at Leigh Police Station.

“I think there is this perception that Leigh is not as looked after as Wigan, but from a policing response, Leigh has more than Wigan.

“My detective superintendent is a Leyther so she works predominantly at Leigh […] but it is about us getting out and being visible in both Wigan and Leigh.”

With Chief Supt Higham becoming the first female in her role since the nineties, in addition to her being the first female detective chief inspector in Bury and winning numerous awards for policing leadership and organised crime, she hopes her appointment and career can inspire women and girls that anything is possible.

She added: “I do hope I can inspire the next generation and ignite dreams for girls to work in the police force. I’m hoping that there will be some young girls out there that look and think, well if she can do it, anyone can.”

She has spent a significant portion of her career in detective roles.

She added: ““The only reason we moved away from the model [of district commanders] was austerity […] and police officers were being lost and the force needed to slim down.

“I absolutely agree having someone at the top of the tree that is focused on the borough and engages with strategic partners and a structure underneath [will improve things]. I can give visible leadership as I’m very present, and I’m definitely setting the strategic direction of the borough that is in line with the Chief Constable.”