ISSUES affecting the police force in West Devon were brought to light at a recent meeting between officers and the MP for West Devon and Torridge.

Geoffrey Cox MP met police officers to learn more about current issues affecting the force in a rural area such as West Devon. He also discussed the changes affecting the police brought in by the Coalition Government.

Mr Cox met around 20 local response officers, sergeants, neighbourhood beat officers and other team specialists based in Tavistock and surrounding villages, along with Shaun Kenneally, sector inspector West Devon and Torridge at Okehampton Police Station.

Subjects varied from response times in rural areas, specialist skills within the force, the Winsor Report on reform of the police, police pensions and the affect of the Olympics on West Devon's police resources.

Mr Cox said: 'I am convinced that the work of the police in protecting the public and tackling crime is among the most important in the public service.

'I am always very keen to receive up to date reports on how the team in West Devon is dealing with the various issues we face locally and it was extremely helpful to receive the perspective of those who police our market towns and villages every day.'

RIGHT:?MP Geoffrey Cox with Sector Inspector for West Devon and Torridge Shaun Kenneally.