In a major restructuring designed to make the force more accountable to the public, six new command areas have been introduced throughout the county in the hope of building closer links with local communities.

Senior officers admitted that the overhaul is also aimed at coping with increasing financial pressures, but stressed that would not impinge on staff who are being designated to the new command areas.

'fit for purpose'

Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell said: "This change to our structure follows on as part of a wider review of the force, and will help us to deliver an even more effective and efficient service to our communities.

"It will ensure that we will be able to adapt to the ever-changing financial climate and ensure the force is fit for purpose and able to meet any challenges it will face in the future."

The six areas are now being overseen by an over-arching basic command unit to replace the previous three units which covered the western, eastern and central sections of North Yorkshire.

new areas

The removal of the previous three basic command units has allowed four of the new command areas to match local council boundaries – York, Selby, Harrogate and Craven. The other two link Hambleton and Richmondshire together, as well as Ryedale and Scarborough.

The new command areas have been introduced to coincide with the county's Policing Plan that spans the next three years.

The latest move is part of a revolution in policing aimed at building closer links between officers and the communities across North Yorkshire.

A series of new mini-police stations and offices in the county's market towns and cities has been unveiled as part of a multi-million-pound strategy to boost the number of frontline officers.

It is hoped closer links will be built with the public and vital intelligence gleaned in the fight against crime.