Maria Wallis: "Police are not social workers"

The chief constable of Devon and Cornwall has called for a public debate on the issue of drug legalisation.

Maria Wallis was speaking to more than 100 people at meeting on the drug problems facing north Devon.

The chief constable told the Barnstaple Poverty Action Group that she did not have a personal opinion on legalisation, but that there was a need for an "open and fearless debate".

However, she made it clear that her officers would be tough with illegal dealers.

She said: "My robust stance on drugs is about dealing with suppliers, traffickers and ensuring they know that they are not welcome in Devon and Cornwall.

"The police have a particular role to play in enforcement, as well as with our youth affairs officers, working with others and teachers in schools.

"Police officers are not social workers. We have others with that kind of training in different partner groups."