A former homicide detective from Lincolnshire Police has returned to collaborative policing to head up the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU).
This week, Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS) Diane Coulson took on the leadership of the unit, dedicated to tackling the most serious and violent criminals in the region.
She said: “As a former Senior Investigating Officer on murder inquiries in the region, I have lived the benefits of EMSOU. The team provides fantastic support and a wealth of experience and skill to serious and often complex investigations.
“In this new role I am keen to ensure the committed people behind these specialist services are nurtured and supported so they can continue to protect East Midlands communities from harm.”
DCS Coulson joined Lincolnshire Police at Grantham in 1996. She went on to spend half her time in uniform and half as a detective. It was in 2016 that she joined EMSOU as part of its Major Crime Unit.
In more recent years, she has worked closely with the local authority and before coming to EMSOU was Temporary Assistant Chief Constable for the force.
“From 2020, I worked on secondment with the local authority and, while there, I not only gained a valuable insight into the world of emergency planning and crime prevention, from a partnership perspective, but also gained a wider context of the part we all play in maintaining community safety,” she said.
“I think I can bring a lot of what I have learned during my time working with partners, as well as from my other roles and experiences, to make a positive contribution to the running of EMSOU, in order to help us continue to improve and grow.”
Regional Deputy Chief Constable Paul Gibson said: “I have known Di for a long time and I know she will bring a great deal of expertise and knowledge to EMSOU. I look forward to working with her in leading our regional collaborations into the future.”
DCS Coulson replaces Nikki Mayo, who returned to Lincolnshire Police as Assistant Chief Constable.