On Thursday we welcomed Devon and Cornwall’s new Chief Constable to the force.

Will Kerr OBE is a vastly experienced officer, having served in Northern Ireland’s police service and as deputy of Police Scotland, but having never served in England was required to attest as an officer before heading out to duty.

The force’s chief officer group, led by Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell, took up the challenge of running the force for around six months while I recruited for the top job. And now as we begin a new year the force has an opportunity to reassess how it best serves the needs of our communities.

In a short speech after his attestation, which was overseen by Mr Peter Scott, a local Justice of the Peace, Mr Kerr spoke about the fact that policing is essentially a straightforward job, with morality and public service at its core.

He and I are keen that the force refocuses on the basics, tackling the types of crime that most affect people. And when we ask people what they most want dealing with they are always clear. Two years ago, when I asked the public to help me set priorities for the Police and Crime Plan, setting the strategic direction of the force, they were clear that anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and road safety were issues that our communities most wanted tackling where they lived.

So far this year more than 1,000 people have completed the annual survey which influences my decisions for the following year. This survey, along with focus groups, gives insight into what matters. I have a statutory duty to seek the views of residents and the priorities set by the public have helped drive my work over the years.

Last year 75% of you told me that they supported investing in reopening front desks at police stations – we have opened four since then with two more on the way. When asked what they would use the front desk for ‘reporting crime’ and ‘offering information to police about what’s happening in your community’ were top responses, and more than half of you said they would like to meet their neighbourhood policing team.

We are planning for what is likely to be a challenging financial year but thanks to our community’s investment the new Chief will have more officers at his disposal than any previous Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable.

If you have yet to take part in my annual survey you can have your say by visiting www.devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk or call my office on 01392 225555.