Speaking on the opening day of the Devon County Show, Mr Hogg has highlighted volunteering opportunities and set out plans for the Force to significantly increase the number of Specials. Recruitment for this opens again in the autumn.

“I am very keen to take the opportunity to promote the vital work undertaken by Specials and volunteers in general.” said Mr Hogg.

“There are major and obvious benefits of this for our rural communities, so it’s appropriate to highlight this at the Devon County Show.

“We are facing some tough financial decisions over the coming years and it’s therefore imperative that we look at how we can cost effectively maintain Devon and Cornwall as one of the safest areas in the country. Together with fresh thinking, we must do everything we can to encourage the public to play a fuller part in policing through volunteering.”

The Commissioner is linking up with Devon and Cornwall Police to demonstrate the many ways in which the public can get involved in making their neighbourhood safer.

The theme of this year’s display at Westpoint is ‘Building Safer Communities Together’ and will offer advice on everything from joining the Special Constabulary and police cadets, to getting involved in Neighbourhood Watch.

Police cadets will also be at the event on Saturday to chat to young people about life in the volunteer service for 13-18 year-olds. The cadets give youngsters a chance to make a real difference in their communities. They learn about law and police procedures and take part in a range of activities such as crime prevention, community days and royal events.

Police officers, Specials and police community support officers will be at the show to talk about their roles, and offer advice about home and car security, personal safety and how to security mark your possessions.

Visitors can learn more about the first step towards setting up or joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The public also have the chance to bid for their neighbourhood to benefit from the Community Payback Scheme where offenders complete local projects such as litter removal and repainting community buildings.

Across two show sites the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is raising awareness of its work and giving the public the chance to put questions to Mr Hogg.

They will be seeking views from the public on the service they receive from local police, the impact of alcohol on communities and nightlife, and Community Remedies, a process which would allow victims the choice to select an appropriate punishment for an offender involved in a low level crime.