New inspector unveiled for Cornwall policing team

Insp Rick Milburn grew up in Falmouth and Penryn

A police officer is returning to his hometown patch after being named the latest area inspector by the force.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Rick Milburn had been made the sector inspector for the Falmouth and Helston area, which also included Penryn and Porthleven.

Insp Milburn, who grew up in Falmouth and Penryn, said he was proud to be given the chance to help lead police in the area.

He added his main priority would be listening to residents, businesses and other groups to find out what concerns and local issues they wanted addressed by police.

The force said Insp Milburn previously worked in a number of different roles and departments before his recent appointment after becoming an officer in 2004.

These included leading Operation Margate in 2012, which led to two men being jailed for a total of 32 years for the sexual abuse of children under the guise of a witches’ coven during the 1970s and 1980s, it said.

He was also the sector inspector for Truro between 2016 and 2020, and has also worked with Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Public Protection Unit (PPU), it added.

'Can't rest on laurels'

Insp Milburn said he was delighted to be appointed to the new role.

He said: "I'm aware that there is already a great policing team in place, but we can’t rest on our laurels, and there are always improvements that we can make to ensure a high standard of service to the public.

"I grew up in the local area, and I understand the sense of community and appreciate the love that people have for the area."