A chief constable starting the job this week said consoling officers and staff who are working under a new model will be a priority.

Nick Dean is taking over from Alec Wood, who retired as Cambridgeshire Chief Constable on Friday.

CC Dean said one of his most pressing concerns will be understanding the demands and concerns of the workforce.
 
He said: "The force has just been through a significant restructure in the past few months, and any change at a time of significant demand on limited police resources is never easy.
 
"I will spend some time in my first few weeks speaking to officers and staff to appreciate the pressures they are facing and understand what we can do to support them to continue to serve the people of Cambridgeshire in the best way we can."

The new model was touted as a sustainable policing plan designed to be “victim-focused and demand-led, providing much-needed support to the frontline” when it was announced in May.

Cambridgeshire residents were told to expect 50 extra officers on the frontline, front counters in every district area, new community action teams and a centralised demand hub.

Shift patterns were “aligned to demand” as part of the plans.  

The Cambridgeshire Constabulary statement of accounts published in May states the force made £1m in savings last year to balance the books, split across supplies and services, staffing reductions “mostly as result of the [Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire] collaboration" and selling of estate.

No police staff or PCSOs lost their jobs according to the document but three police officer posts were cut.

It warned the next few years will “undoubtedly be extremely challenging and difficult despite the ability of the PCC to raise the council tax for 2018/19 by £12.

“The economic climate continues to look uncertain not least of which the exit from the European Union is far from agreed and could have an impact on things such as inflation, and the ability to procure goods and services from Europe,” the document said.

Nick, 51, has 26 years' police service having joined Norfolk Constabulary in September 1992 where he gained experience in patrol and custody, before periods in the control room, corporate support and local policing.
 
He was appointed Norfolk temporary assistant chief constable in June 2013, became temporary deputy chief constable in October 2016 and was substantively promoted in February 2017.
 
Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite said:  “Nick brings with him a wealth of experience both in terms of understanding the challenges faced by modern day policing and an inclusive approach to partnership working.

“I very much look forward to working with him.” 
 
CC Dean added: "Partnership working has always been important to me and is something I am keen to continue here in Cambridgeshire.
 
"I plan to take my time to properly get to know the force and its people, to ensure I continue the legacy of keeping the people of Cambridgeshire safe."