A policeman who started out in his career in Newquay more than 20 year ago has seen his aspiration of being the town’s police chief become a reality.

Inspector Steve Johnson aims to help make Newquay and St Columb Major become the “best they can be” after being recruited to the role of Sector Inspector for Newquay and St Columb.

He started out his policing career as a response officer at Newquay and St Columb in 2001 and rose through the ranks to fulfil various roles including neighbourhood sergeant before being promoted to being the critical incident manager across Cornwall two years ago dealing with incidents such as deaths and fires.

Insp Johnson has now been promoted to be in charge of policing in Newquay and St Columb following the previous Sector Inspector Guy Blackford — who held for the position for five years — moving to pastures new.

Insp Johnson said: “Having joined the police covering Newquay and St Columb the Sector Inspector role was one I always aspired too.  

“I have done a number of roles within the Police over the years, but I have found most enjoyment at Newquay where I have worked as a Response Officer, Response Sergeant and more recently as the Neighbourhood Sergeant for the Sector. 

“I have been involved in many problem-solving activities over the years when policing intervention was needed so feel best placed to spot the warning signs early and use that experience to my advantage. 

“Having been promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2022 I moved into another role as a Response Inspector or Critical Incident manager for Cornwall. This role has taken me to various locations dealing with some high priority incidents to ensure our policing response to those was appropriate. 

“Inspector Blackford moved on, and I now have the opportunity to take up the role I have always wanted. This will mean continuing the good work Insp Guy Blackford has been involved in over the last few years and developing on that with the assistance of those partners; some of whom I have already had the pleasure of meeting.  

“I have lived and worked in and around Newquay and St Columb for over 23 years and I’ve brought my children up locally. Now they have grown up and moved away.

“I have a genuine interest in making Newquay and St Columb the best they can be. I am motivated to encourage the younger officers here to feel the same. 

“I very much look forward to working with the teams at Newquay and St Columb again and to meeting those active members of the community who contribute so much to the town.”