IT’S A new role for Inspector Andy Hodgetts after transferring from West Midlands Police, based in Birmingham to take over the role of Inspector for the Forest of Dean.

Inspector Hodgetts fully believes that although both areas are vastly different in terms of geography, he says they are similar in that West Midlands Police and Gloucestershire Police share a strong commitment to neighbourhood policing while liaising with local agencies.

Inspector Hodgetts, 38, said during his first visit to the Forest of Dean: “This is my earliest opportunity to be involved in rural policing and it will be very, different to what I am used to.

“Before I even contemplate making any changes, the first thing I need to do is to get to know the staff and the partnership agencies and to establish what the public believe should be the policing priorities.

“I want to further the partnership working within the Forest of Dean and work collaboratively with all the local communities.

“But until I understand what the communities want, it would be unfair to make any changes.”

Mr Hodgetts has two rugby-loving sons, aged aged four and seven, and is heavily involved in his local club.

Mr Hodgetts who has been an acting inspector for south Birmingham for the last two years replaces Inspector Steve Chester who has been transferred to the training unit at Gloucestershire police.