THE Wee County's incoming community police inspector has vowed to build upon the good work of his predecessor as he takes up his new role.

Returning son Mark Murphy has replaced community inspector Charlie Mitchell who retired from Police Scotland last month and is delighted to continue serving his community.

And while he will not seek to make any wholesale changes in the future, he is confident he will have a lot to offer Clackmannanshire residents.

Indeed, Insp. Murphy feels the biggest thing he can bring to the role is his experience and knowledge of the area.

He told the Advertiser: “Being a resident, I have a vested interest. I know the area very well.

"I’ve been involved, up until last year, in youth football coaching in Clackmannanshire for 15 years.

“I like to think what I will bring is experience," he added. "I have 25 years of experience and have carried out various roles and also with knowing the area, I can use that to help lead and motivate staff.

“I know the area; I know a lot of the people, and I know the majority of the staff here.

"Having worked as an operational sergeant here I’m aware of the challenges and the tasks that face us in the policing in Clackmannanshire.”

The inspector started his career as a probationer in Stirling, he soon moved up the ranks to sergeant before working as a police instructor at Tulliallan Police College for three years.

He then moved back to operational duties in Stirling and then Clackmannanshire before becoming inspector in the control room and then initial firearms commander.

The Clacks-born officer is now hoping that the great experience he has under his belt will work nicely alongside the local knowledge he has from living in the area all his life.

However, Insp. Murphy insists that, thanks to the great work already done by the team in Alloa, there is little need to make changes to get results.

He said: “I believe I’m very fortunate to have come into an excellent team. It’s a very good team here which works really well. My job will be to ensure that continues.

“Obviously, if I can bring any fresh ideas to make it even better, that’s great.

"In the first four weeks I will find my feet, find out the local processes and once I’ve done a review of that, I’ll be able to see if there’s anything that we can do.

“Fortunately there’s a good team and there are no major overhaul of changes required.”

It will be a quick learning curve for Mark, too, as the festive period approaches which means the launch of various campaigns, whether it be local or national.

The first of those will be Operation Christmas, which will kickstart an increase in police patrols at pubs and clubs as well as during the day at major shopping sites, such as Sterling Mills.

Commenting on the upcoming campaign, Mark said: “What we want to do is give a reassurance message that we’re there to help and make people feel safe, whether they live, work or visit here.”