Sharon Taylor

I have completed 35 years of police service, finishing in March 2020.

After 22 years in the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), I spent the last 13 years as an Assistant Chief Constable with Devon & Cornwall Police, holding five different portfolios including Local Policing and Vulnerability and Crime. I have a huge amount of experience in operating at the executive level and as a Firearms, Public Order, and Multi-Agency Gold Commander for a wide range of critical and major incidents.

I am a dynamic, authentic and compassionate leader with an extensive range of skills and experience. I have a very personable, consultative style of leadership and I am passionate about optimising people’s potential to enable them to be at their best.

My commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected throughout my service, including as executive lead in my last force for mental wellbeing and LGBTQ+ as well as being an ambassador for Positive Action, the Women’s Network and as a Menopause Champion. 

Throughout my service, I have always been deeply committed to supporting others and have mentored a wide variety of police officers and staff at all levels. I have been part of mentoring networks in force, through the British Association of Women in Policing and the Women’s Chief Officer Network. I have also supported the College of Policing as a speaker and syndicate director on courses, as well as being a qualified associate in Firearms, Public Order, SPNAC and the subsequent Strategic Command Course.

I currently work as a volunteer with the NHS and with some charities, including being a community car driver for a locally based charity in Devon.