A police force has announced a streamlining of the number of area commands in a bid to improve its service.
Northumbria Police this week moves from 15 to six geographical area commands to match more closely local authority boundaries.
It is seen as the first step in a public service and performance review designed to make the force more responsive to local needs and more effective against criminals.
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Crispian Strachan said: "The vision, which is fully supported by Northumbria Police Authority, is to build on current success and better equip frontline staff to provide an improved service at a local level."
The chief superintendents heading the six streamlined area commands are: Sunderland, Jim Campbell; South Tyneside, Dave Pryer; Gates-head, Allan Curry; North Tyneside, Jim Peacock; Newcastle, Chris Machell and North- umberland, Graham Pears.
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