OFFICERS who would normally spend their time training colleagues are being redeployed to frontline duties as Devon and Cornwall Police strengthens its response to the increased demand expected this summer.

The move forms part of the force’s summer policing plan, designed to ensure communities remain protected as the region’s population rises with the arrival of thousands of visitors throughout August.

As part of the operation, officers from training teams will complete a minimum of five shifts working in public-facing roles, including patrol duties and responding to incidents.

Their experience will also be used across other areas of policing, including custody teams and investigations, helping to provide additional resilience during the busiest period of the year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has praised the measures, thanking officers and staff for adapting their roles to support communities during the summer surge.

She said: ‘I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all officers and staff who will be taking on different shifts and helping to maintain public visibility during this exceptionally busy time’.

The redeployment comes as the force prepares for a significant increase in demand during the summer season.

Last year, Devon and Cornwall Police recorded a 15 per cent increase in urgent incidents between June and September, responding to an average of 292 urgent incidents each day compared with 255 a day during the remaining eight months of the year.

To support the additional frontline capacity, training scheduled for August has been rescheduled and restrictions have been placed on the amount of leave officers and staff can take during August.

Senior officers who lead operational teams will also return to frontline duties, while Chief Constable James Vaughan is supporting the initiative by spending time with the force contact team.

The force said the approach is not simply about increasing officer numbers but making the best use of the skills and experience available.

Officers who usually develop the abilities of others will now apply that expertise directly on the frontline, supporting colleagues, mentoring less experienced officers and helping manage complex incidents.

Commissioner Hernandez said the summer policing plan was a coordinated response to the unique challenges faced by the region.

‘I am pleased to see the summer plan for policing in Devon and Cornwall is extensive, coordinated, and based on what works’, she said.

She highlighted the pressure created by the area’s popularity as a holiday destination, saying Devon and Cornwall welcome more domestic tourists than anywhere else in England, including London.

‘That’s brilliant news for our economy, but it’s also a serious strain on our police force. Calls for service increase and incidents of antisocial behaviour rise’, she said.