‘Huge challenges’ ahead for new police chief

SOUTH Devon’s new police chief has pledged to target the region’s ‘hidden’ crime despite facing ever-dwindling resources.

Chief Superintendent Keith Perkin heads the new South Devon Basic Command Unit (BCU), set up to deal with rising demand for officers in Torbay and neighbouring towns. The new BCU has 400 officers and staff.

He said so-called ‘hidden’ crimes like child sex abuse, domestic violence and modern slavery had put new pressures on police resources.

But the new set-up, he said, would allow police to work better with partners such as local councils and health bodies.

The appointment comes as an independent watchdog says government ministers are unaware of the effect their cuts are having on frontline policing.

Across the country more than 22,000 police officer jobs have gone in the last nine years.

Mr Perkin said: “The new BCU will give South Devon a bigger voice within the force. The difference it will make is mainly behind the scenes.

“South Devon will have a voice on groups where key decisions are being made. Crime has changed over the last 10 years. Policing is so much more complicated than it was. Our focus is different now

“But it’s not just reduced resources, it’s the complicated demands on officers as well. When I started I didn’t have to do my job with a camera stuck in my face all the time. I didn’t have the level of individual scrutiny that officers do now. We are under pressure.”

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said there were ‘huge challenges’ ahead for the new BCU.

She added: “We have a significant problem with synthetic drugs like Spice in Torquay and a focus on tackling youth gangs in Newton Abbot. I wish Chief Superintendent Perkin the best of luck.

“Despite the issues he and his team face I am sure a renewed focus on robust policing in South

Chief Supt Keith Perkin Devon – coupled with the significant funding that local authorities have received in recent months to tackle homelessness and drug addiction – can make a significant difference.”