Experienced covert officer brings 14 years of specialist skills to frontline policing

In a message to offenders, Inspector Musgrove said: “We will be using a range of tried and tested methods to identify you. You will be arrested and any opportunity we have, you will be put before the courts.”

With a unique 14-year background in covert policing, Inspector Jamie Musgrove has moved to a public-facing role in Cornwall, bringing a new approach to frontline community policing.

Inspector Musgove, who has lived in the local area for 13 years and worked at the Force for 25, has joined the neighbourhood policing team as the new Inspector.

He will oversee officers in Liskeard, Looe, Torpoint, and Saltash.

“Whilst my role looks very different now, the core of what I do remains the same – keeping everyone in our communities safe and preventing crime from happening in the first place,” said Insp Musgrove.

“My time in undercover policing has given me a unique insight into how offenders operate, the different tactics they use and how we can adapt our approaches to effectively disrupt criminality.

“I am keen to bring this perspective into my new visible policing role, helping to build on the fantastic work already being carried out by the neighbourhood teams.”

Touching on his focuses moving forward, Insp Musgrove added: “Our priority will be on tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB), retail crime, and drug dealing across the patch.

“My teams will be out on the streets as much as possible during their day-to-day duties, engaging with communities, providing a visible presence on our streets and taking action against those who cause harm in our communities.”

A vital part of the police’s response to community concerns around ASB and crime rely on the public reporting what they see.

“As a local resident myself, I am very committed to ensuring a safer community for all residents,” said Insp Musgrove.

“That’s why I want to encourage anyone who has information about illegal activity, witnesses a crime, or is a victim, to report it to us. Your information is key in helping us take robust and targeted action.”

Inspector Musgrove will take the helm from previous neighbourhood Inspector, Ned Bowie.

“It is clear to see the positive changes driven by Ned and his team to date to improve public safety. I am extremely grateful to be joining the team of dedicated officers and will continue to support this fantastic work.”

Neighbourhood teams carry out essential policing work, including high-visibility foot patrols, resolving community concerns, such as antisocial behaviour, and leading interventions to prevent people from being victims of crime.

To find out more about the neighbourhood officers in your local area and the work they are doing, visit the ‘what’s happening in your area’ section of the Devon & Cornwall website: Your area | Devon & Cornwall Police