New Chief Constable aims to restore morale & focus on frontline policing

The new Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset police has told ITV News he'll focus on frontline policing in an attempt to restore officer morale and the public's trust following recent high-profile controversies.

In his first interview since his appointment, Andy Marsh says he'll also do 'everything' he can to protect officer numbers and local services.

But he doesn't doubt that it'll be 'an incredibly difficult call'.

It's a job some believe has been made all the more difficult by recent events which have tested trust and confidence in the police.

One of the most damaging episodes being the behaviour of Andy Marsh's predecessor, Nick Gargan. It cost the force half a million pounds in salary and legal fees to oust the former constable after an 18-month suspension, during which he was found guilty of eight counts misconduct.

His successor accepts that the faith of some of those the police serve, needs to be restored.

Nick Gargan hasn't been the force's only high-profile casualty though.

Two officers were last month sacked after being found guilty of misconduct in their treatment of Bijan Ebrahimi. The Iranian-born disabled man whose cries for help went unanswered days before he was murdered in Bristol.

All this facing the new Chief Constable while trying to get more from a budget under constant risk of cuts.

Andy Marsh started his career at Avon and Somerset almost 30 years ago. He returns to a force where his wife Nikki Watson is an assistant Chief Constable.

With all the history in one role, Andy Marsh's homecoming is expected to be a demanding one.