THE Sector Inspector for Bude, Launceston, Camelford and Callington attended the recent Camelford Community Network Panel meeting to explain how his officers are making a difference in the communities in which they serve.

Insp Lynden Hughes has been in the role since April. Prior to this he was a police constable and Neighbourhood Sergeant in Bude and then was based in North Devon.

The area has 29 police officers, 26 of which are 24-7 along with three neighbourhood officers. There are six sergeants, five 24-7 and one neighbourhood sergeant.

He said: “It doesn’t sound much spread out across that area, that’s the challenge really. At this moment in time we’re not going to have more.”

He said the constant thing facing the force at present is change, and an increase emphasis on working with other services, such as the fire service.

Speaking on cutbacks and the resources available to the force, Insp Highes said officers will deal with the most important incident first.

They use the THRIVE model — Threat, Harm, Risk and Vulnerability — and everything that comes in is judged against this.

“It’s a difficult model to work to because we all joined as police officers to provide a service to everybody but we’ve got to focus our services to those in most need.”

Fortunately Insp Hughes said the area is a low-crime area, but what crime there is does affect people.

“I’m keen on my staff working to identify vulnerability in the community.”

He added that officers often know who the drug dealers and burglers are, but he wanted to seek out those people who are hidden within plain sight in the community that need help, such as people with mental health issues and hoarders.

“The force is having to work more efficiently and more effectively.”

Insp Hughes said officers are having to utilise the volunteer sector more, and listed a number of projects that have happened, such as the St Teath Community Speedwatch.

There is also a successful community-run CCTV system in Bude and Launceston, which are both linked to the local street pastor group.

“It’s things like that that really make a difference.”

Rob Rotchell, who was chairing the meeting, thanked Insp Hughes for attending the meeting.