A NEW Wycombe rural police chief is starting work today after the area's inspector retired recently.
Inspector Scott Messenger is taking over the role from Ray Wilks and will also be based at Marlow Police Station in Dean Street.
His area also includes Princes Risborough, Hazlemere, Flackwell Heath and Bourne End.
Insp Wilks, who served in the force for 30 years, stepped down earlier this year.
Insp Messenger has got a varied background in policing.
He has served as a Detective Inspector dealing with mainly burglary, robbery and auto crime and worked in unifrom on response teams.
He has been based at Wycombe in his most recent roles.
Chief Inspector Colin Seaton, Deputy Area Commander for Wycombe, said: "He knows Marlow, he knows the district, he knows the policing style, management and people which is one of the reasons in particular why we chose him to take over from Ray.
"He's a really good fit for Marlow, I feel, in terms of his policing style and although it's a very hard act to follow in relation to Ray Wilks we have specifically identified somebody who we believe is someone to take policing in Marlow forward."
His priorities have been outlined as having a firm and fair policing style, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and to ensure he has got a good focus on rural crime.
Ch Insp Seaton said: "This is also particularly pertinent in relation to Marlow. And also, his priorities include to have a good visible engagement with his community."
Ch Insp Seaton is hoping residents in the Wycombe rural area give him a warm greeting.
He said: "One thing I would like is for communities to arrange, where they can, to meet him and welcome him to the area. The area has been an Inspector Ray Wilks institution for many years."
Insp Messenger's first main task will be to oversee the policing operation over the weekend of June 8 and 9 when the Marlow Town Regatta takes place.
