A MAN who was once a police constable in Tavistock returned this week — almost 14 years to the day — as West Devon's top cop.

PC Barry Frost, 42, left Tavistock on January 3 1987. On January 2 2001 Chief Inspector Frost returned to take up the post of West Devon District Commander.

'I'm relishing the challenge and I'm happy to get back to West Devon. I know the area very well, particularly Tavistock, where I worked for more than two years,' he said.

Chief Inspector Frost aims to continue the work of multi-agency policing — involving the police, local authorities, health and youth services and many others — begun by his predecessor Chief Inspector Chris Amos under the recent Crime and Disorder Act.

'I would like to maintain the excellent relationship the police has with the public and other agencies in West Devon, but I would like to improve on that if possible,' he said.

One of the main issues in policing today is the reduction of crime — a challenge in a rural area like West Devon where, for example, a reduction in burglaries of five per cent could be just two incidents fewer.

'Rural communities are very concerned about the service they receive,' said the chief inspector. 'I'm keen to liaise with the public so they can better understand the issues and I want to hear from the public what they think the issues are.'

He said he was great believer in local solutions for local problems and would be interested to see how the benefits of closing the local courts would materialise.

'I feel we have to try and make the systems work rather than fight against them.'

Chief Inspector Frost couldn't comment on speculation about the futures of the local police stations.

In his new role, Chief Inspector Frost also aims to draw on skills and experience he has gained throughout his 22 year career, particularly in terms of 'integrity and diversity' he said.

'Since Stephen Lawrence, every force has to examine itself. I want to encourage diversity as a positive thing.'

Chief Inspector Frost also has expertise in firearms and, as well as his job here, he will continue his force-wide role as a fire arms commander.