Some beat managers are reportedly becoming household names

There are 239 neighbourhood "beat managers" currently serving areas all over the county.

The aim of the traditional style of policing is to cut crime by forging closer relationships with residents, who get to know their local bobby.

We want to get away from the 'sticking plaster' approach to policing Maria Wallace, Chief Constable

A report before the Devon and Cornwall Police Authority says the neighbourhood beat managers are becoming household names.

Target numbers for beat officers in Plymouth, west and south Devon have been met. In north and east Devon, they are exceeding the targets.

Increasing the numbers of beat officers has been a key initiative of Chief Constable Maria Wallace.

Chief Constable Wallis said: "These changes are not just about introducing a different structure or calling things by a different name, they are about a fundamental shift in culture to provide more of our policing services in a way requested by local communities.

"Our aspiration is that every neighbourhood will have a nominated officer who has a thorough knowledge of his or her beat and is known and accessible to local people.

"We want to get away from the 'sticking plaster' approach to policing. We want officers to take ownership of the issues and work with local people to address them."