South Worcestershire Divisional Commander Biography

Chief Superintendent Jane Horwood

Jane's career with West Mercia Police began as a 16-year-old police cadet in Droitwich in 1978. She became a full time police officer aged 18, serving the early part of her career in a variety of roles, including as a rural beat officer in Wythall, complete with bicycle, and as a police constable and then a sergeant in Redditch.

She was a trainer and a detective - specialising for a time in child protection work - before a National Criminal Intelligence secondment regionally and in London. Further promotions and specialisms included time as a chief inspector with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Home Office Police Bureaucracy Task Force.

Jane has a huge affection for the South Worcestershire, having previously been based at Worcester's Castle Street station as superintendent in charge of operations from September 2006 to February 2007. She also worked as Head of Performance for the force, before becoming superintendent for neighbouring North Worcestershire Division.

She was promoted to chief superintendent in December 2008 and became the divisional commander of South Worcestershire in March 2009.

Head of the Women's Network for West Mercia, Jane promotes the achievements of women in the force as well as helping them to fulfil their potential. In 2008 she travelled to Australia to receive the International Association for Women in Policing Award for Mentoring.

When not on duty, Jane spends much of her time enjoying cricket and is a former player, umpire and West Midlands administrator.