5 July 2021

James Dimmack is the new Chair of Dorset Police Federation

James – who has been a police officer for 21 years – takes over from Anna Harvey. Here, he outlines his plans for the role and how he will be highlighting the challenges Dorset Police officers face, as well as promoting all of their great work.

James said: “It’s genuinely a huge honour to become the Chair of Dorset Police Federation and I hope to represent Dorset officers to the best of my ability.

“My journey to becoming Chair happened quite organically. I became a Fed Rep around five years ago and really enjoyed the role. After a couple of years I became the Federation’s Health and Safety lead.

“Then I jumped at the opportunity to become Conduct and Performance Liaison Officer (CaPLO). I’ve done that for the past year and a half, full-time. I’ve spent a lot of time with people who really needed our help, and it’s been eye-opening the impact investigations can have on officers. Being able to help them get them the results they deserve has been a massive privilege for me and something that I’m proud to have been involved with.

“The outgoing Federation Chair, Anna Harvey, has done an excellent job. I saw first-hand how dedicated she was – what a difference she made, without sometimes really getting the credit for it, just quietly behind the scenes. It’s inspiring and I want to carry on her good work and make sure the future of Dorset Police Federation is in good hands.

“Anna’s done a magnificent job in forging relationships with the force and the region, and really setting a firm foundation. I’m keen to get out there and build on that foundation, and really promote the good work that’s done within policing.

“I’m keen to push forward the positivity of the good work Dorset Police officers carry out under difficult circumstances with pressurised numbers.

“We talk about the new Police Regulations in conduct and how it’s all about learning, and there’s lots of talk about wellbeing being a priority in forces. I want to change that from talk to reality and action, and put it into practice, understanding that it’s not a one-size-fits-all or a tick-box exercise but that it comes down to an individual level.

“I don’t think Anna can be thanked enough for the contributions she’s made to Dorset Police, Dorset Police Federation and the people of Dorset. The work she does is boundless, it’s full of energy, it never stops. She will go the extra mile for everyone and she will be sorely missed.

“They’re large shoes for me to fill, but I certainly intend to do the best I can. I hope Anna enjoys her retirement but I hope she maintains her links with the Federation and the Dorset Police family, because her knowledge and experience is too much to lose.”