A REVAMP of the way Gloucestershire Police operates has been given the thumbs-up by the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl.

Sweeping changes to the force including officer’s shifts being arranged around peak periods of demand and each of the county’s six policing areas – the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud and the Forest of Dean –being given a dedicated inspector came into effect last Thursday, July 23.

The changes – described as “the most comprehensive review of the Gloucestershire Constabulary in 40 years” – have been introduced following a study launched by Mr Surl following his election in November 2012.

The Independent commissioner said he was fully in favour of the plans and hoped people across Gloucestershire would benefit.

“It might take the public some time to get used to the changes but this will keep more officers out on patrol for longer,” he said. “Yes, there are fewer officers now than many years ago, but that is due to austerity measures beyond our control.

“My job, and that of the Chief Constable, is to make the best of what we have and I will be monitoring the new working arrangements very closely.

“I understand that many still lament the loss of their local police station but those decisions were taken some years ago and cannot be reversed.

“Advances in technology and improvements in mobile communications will free officers from their desks and keep them on the streets for longer which is what the public have told me they want”.

As part of the revamp incident resolution officers are taking on a wider role, not only responding to emergencies but in some cases fully investigating incidents to their conclusion.

Designated inspector for the Cotswolds Karen Ellis is based at Cirencester Police Station in The Forum, while Stow Station in High Street will remain open.

Neighbourhood officers are also focusing more closely on threat, risk and harm in communities while officers are being required to police areas other than those they are assigned to where appropriate.

As usual any problems can be reported to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.