BOBBIES will spend more time on the beat in Gloucestershire following the most comprehensive review of the force in 40 years.

The introduction of a new way of working is the result of a two-year examination of all the constabulary's finances, buildings and resources.

Changes will see a new centre for specialist crime and investigations and a single neighbourhood command will replace six local policing commands.

The ‘Operation Model’, announced by the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable on Monday, will result in a new structure for operational policing being launched and common working practices will be introduced across the entire force area.

More effective mobile working will allow officers and PCSOs to spend more time ‘on the beat’. They will also be deployed beyond their own area if they are the nearest resource. The first changes will take effect early next year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl, who began the review following his election in November 2011, said: “I have to say that when I took office some aspects of the constabulary were not in a great shape in Gloucestershire. That’s my personal view and I think I can show that to be the case.

“Now, the organisation is far more stable than it was. Even though the financial picture is tricky, we know where we are and our books balance. I’m not worried about it unduly. So I think we have managed to consolidate some of the gains we’ve made and can look forward to the future”.

Chief Constable Suzette Davenport said: “The decisions we are making to realise these aims are based on solid evidence, recognised best practice from other forces and organisations, and by involving officers and staff in engineering new approaches.

“We need to improve public satisfaction and confidence in our force and ensure we can deliver the quality service we aspire to provide. A new way of working is a crucial means for us to deliver this aspiration.”