Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Alexis Poole has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to policing over the past 25 years. 

Alexis has been in the role of Assistant Chief Officer People since 2019 but has previously carried out a variety of roles in Devon & Cornwall, including as Head of Performance and Analysis.  Prior to joining Devon & Cornwall in 2005 ACO Poole worked in both the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office and has carried out a range of national work for the NPCC and College of Policing over this time.

As well as her role as ACO for Devon & Cornwall Police, Alexis is a Board Member for the College of Policing and the co-founder of the NPCC Senior Police Staff network. In addition, as the first NPCC portfolio lead for neurodiversity, she founded and led the National Neurodiversity Working Group which has effected a sea-change in the way in which neurodiversity is thought about, acted upon, and championed right across policing in the UK, and beyond.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “I am delighted that Alexis has been recognised for her career-long commitment to policing.  She is a committed leader who has supported and increased equality for underrepresented groups in policing; and has, for many years, contributed significantly to advancing the role of women in policing at all levels. Through her leadership and dedication, she has brought about lasting structural change and individually inspired countless people.

“What sets Alexis apart is not just her sustained commitment, but also the humility and grace with which she serves others. She never seeks personal praise or recognition, but instead focuses entirely on the well-being and progress of those she supports.

“I am extremely proud to have Alexis as a part of my Executive team and I, and countless others, have benefitted enormously from her skills and professionalism over the years.

“The awarding of an OBE is a fitting and well-deserved recognition of her service, which reflects the very values the Honour represents: dedication, community, and impact.”

ACO Poole said: “Being recognised with an Honour in this way has been personally overwhelming, particularly given that I am lucky enough to work amongst inspiring and professional people who care deeply for the public and work tirelessly to provide the best possible service for them at all times of the day and night.

“When I first arrived at Peckham Police Station in 1999, I had no idea of the opportunities and adventures that were ahead, and which continue now in Devon and Cornwall.

“A career in policing is full of days you did not expect to have, and moments of enormous pride.  I am endlessly grateful to the staff and officers I have had the pleasure to work with over the years, but particularly today, and I see this Honour as a reflection on all we have achieved together over this time.”