West Division

Welcome to West Division, which covers Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster and Morecambe areas.

Meet your Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards

Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards is the Divisional Commander for West Division, which covers Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster and Morecambe.

Previously a Medical Research Biochemist, Karen joined the police because she had ‘a deep desire to protect vulnerable people’. Karen now has 28 years’ service with Lancashire Constabulary, and has worked in every division and within a variety of operational roles.

Originally from Lancashire, she spent much of her childhood years in Hong Kong and India, before returning to the county where she now lives with her partner and three children.

Chief Superintendent Edwards said: “It is a privilege to lead policing in Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster and Morecambe. It is a diverse area to police with busy tourist destinations, vast rural areas and some areas of deprivation too.

“I started my career with Lancashire Constabulary in 1995 as a PC on foot patrol in Skelmersdale. Since then I have carried out various roles across the Force, including six years as the Operations Manager in our South Division, where I gained significant command experience.

“My priorities are to reduce crime and to protect and build trust within the communities of West Division. I’m also passionate about working closely with partner agencies to agree joint outcomes to deliver services that best meet the needs of our communities. I am committed to supporting and developing my staff and will ensure I work hard to ensure they have the confidence, skills and equipment to do this very challenging job.

“Residents in the area can be reassured that I am committed to keeping people safe and working alongside them to address the issues that matter most to them. I will not tolerate criminality or anti-social behaviour and will work with the community to bring to justice those individuals who insist on causing harm to good law-abiding citizens.”