New police inspector's quest to improve the quality of life

Inspector Simon Nelson took up his duties at Bexhill on Monday, succeeding Inspector Max Mosley who transfers to Battle to launch Operation Unite.

Inspector Nelson says: "The main thing I want here is to build on the good work that has already been done. There has been some tremendous work done here. What I am keen to do is to get to basics.

"What that means to me is that we embrace traditional methods of policing while also being open to new ideas. I really enjoy street policing. One of the things I know local people want is increased visibility, also making police officers more identifiable.

"I very much believe in keeping things simple, reducing crime while making people feel safer. It is very easy to make policing complicated. We tackle a multitude of policing issues and have a multitude of responsibilities in a variety of areas.

"What I want from here is a good, happy, team of police officers who are willing to give the local people the service they deserve - and I am passionate about that.

"What that means is that we are not just talking about the high-profile actions - the drugs warrants and searches - though these are important, but good, everyday business - what I would call quality local policing.

"I will be faced with hard decisions. I will have to prioritise. I will listen to the concerns that people have and I won't dismiss this out of hand.

"I would like to see more foot patrols. I am not promising that but I would like it."

Asked about Bexhill:s parking problems, Inspector Nelson - a believer in decriminalising parking - said: "If I have an officer doing a foot patrol I would expect them to seize the opportunity to deal with traffic but that is very much down to the situation at the time."

Inspector Nelson is looking forward to his return to Bexhill. He says: "One of the greatest changes that have occurred since I have been away is that we now have 25 PCs and four Sergeants in Bexhill. That's a lot more police than when I was here last time."

Summing-up, he says: "I can make no promises and pledges. The people will have to judge me by my results. All I can do is point out now where I would like us to go, working closely with Chief Inspector Rob Carden and Detective Inspector Trevor Bowles."

Inspector Nelson is a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot. He was born at Fairlight, went to school at Rye and spent his naval career flying Wasp helicopters and, latterly, the Lynx.

He has served for 10 years with Sussex Police, including 18 months in Bexhill as a PC concentrating mainly on Old Town and Sidley. He says: "Bexhill is quite personal to me as both my mother and my aunt live here."

From Bexhill, he transferred as Acting Sergeant to Battle where he enjoyed working with the community. He has served as Inspector at Hastings, dealing in the main with critical incidents. He transfers to Bexhill after a time at Lewes headquarters as force project manager for critical incident training.

He is currently working from home by computer to read for a degree in police studies through the University of Portsmouth.

He is married, with children aged five, three and one and lives in Eastbourne.