TOP COP'S NEW ROLE

CI Blaker replaces CI Rex Matthews who leaves to take up the role of planning the next national counter-terrorist exercise due to take place in 2007.

He has served with Sussex Police for 15 years working in the Hastings and Rother Districts for most of that time.

More recently he undertook a secondment to the East Sussex youth offending team and has spent the last two years working in the Force operations department with particular responsibilities for the helicopter, dog unit, training and tactical public order unit and automatic number plate recognition.

CI Blaker said: 'I am extremely pleased and excited to be taking up this role as the Wealden District Commander which makes me responsible for providing the highest possible level of policing service for the 4th largest district in the country with over 140,000 residents spread over 324 square miles.

'I hope to further strengthen current working relationships with East Sussex County Council which has a lead role in the delivery of local community safety initiatives through the five crime and disorder partnerships across the County.

'Wealden suffers a relatively low level of crime when compared with its more urban neighbours although anti-social behaviour has been highlighted as a concern for residents.

'Through continued working with partners we will address these issues to ensure Wealden remains one of the safest places in Sussex.'