26 February 2026

Inspector who spearheaded outstanding work protecting women and girls receives Dorset Federation Chair’s Award

An Inspector who leads with empathy, and who has spearheaded outstanding work protecting women and girls, has received the Federation Chair’s Award at the 2026 Dorset Police Federation Recognition Awards.

Insp Nicki Chalstrey is the patrol inspector for the white squad in the County LPA.

She is an inspirational leader who prioritises staff wellbeing, as her colleague explained: “White squad have had very low sickness levels for the past two years, and this is down to how Insp Chalstrey manages the teams. She is not afraid to deliver difficult messages, but does this in a sensitive and dignified manner, and regularly highlights good performance across her team, which is lovely to see.”

In 2023, Insp Chalstrey set up the Woman’s Independent Advisory Group, which started with only four members and now has over 40, providing a valuable insight into what makes women feel unsafe in Dorset.

She also implemented ‘red flag’ reviews for use of force, ensuring that positive and constructive feedback is delivered to staff. She explained: “It's really important that we have transparency with our use of force. It's a learning tool, as well. We're not there as the 9 o'clock jury, we are there to help people learn.”

Another initiative that Insp Chalstrey volunteered to lead is Op Nighthawk for County LPA. She explained: “On a Friday and Saturday night, we have increased foot patrols to try to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG), and also knife crime and antisocial behaviour. It has a really positive impact on the night-time economy, and when I've taken it back to my Women's Independent Advisory Group, women say they definitely feel safer having the high-visibility patrols. So the two work hand in hand.”

After six months of Op Nighthawk, violent crime had gone down by 40%, and VAWG and knife crime offences had halved.

When Insp Chalstrey heard she had won the Federation Chair’s Award, she said: “I feel really humble, because I'm just doing my job. I don't do it for awards, I don't do it for recognition, I do it because I live in Dorset and I want to help people and make the county a safer place to be.

“Also, my officers have a really tough job and anything I can do to make their lives better, I will. People are our biggest asset and without them we can't police, so for me it's about looking after the people who work for us. I always put them first.

Dorset Police Federation Chair Chris Wood said: “Nicki is a credit to Dorset Police, she’s a brilliant leader and is always finding ways to improve the way we police.

“Her staff say they are proud and honoured to have Nicki as their Inspector. And I am very proud and honoured for her to be the first recipient of our Chair’s Award.”

Insp Chalstrey will attend the 2026 Dorset Police Federation Recognition Awards on 26 February.

Dorset Police Federation Recognition Awards are in association with Bluline Health.

Also sponsoring the awards are Accord, Axon, Niche, Uniform Mortgages, Police Mortgages, Warren & Co, Police Friendly, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Philip Williams and No1 Copperpot Credit Union.