Size of county is a policing challenge says force's top cop

DEVON'S top police officer says the county's 'beautiful expanse of land' presents the force with its biggest challenge.

- by BRADLEY GERRARD Local Democracy Reporter @[e-mail]

Interim Chief Constable James Vaughan attended the Devon County Show earlier this month alongside police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez.

"We are the thin blue line that is made that much thinner by the huge, beautiful expanse of land and that makes policing a challenge," he said.

"It makes it a challenge to get to emergencies, to get across the moors and to get to the beautiful villages and coastal towns that we enjoy living in."

He said, however, that the force is "well-resourced and well-prepared" and making "great strides" in improving performance across the county.

Asked whether it was a good use of police time for the force's top officer to be at the show, Mr Vaughan said it is a "great opportunity" to meet the public and celebrate farming.