OLD-school values entwined with modern-day policing is the ethos chief superintendent Mark Cordell brings to his new role as East Suffolk area commander.

Colin Adwent

OLD-school values entwined with modern-day policing is the ethos chief superintendent Mark Cordell brings to his new role as East Suffolk area commander.

The 47-year-old, who has responsibility for the policing of Ipswich, Lowestoft, Woodbridge, Leiston, Felixstowe and Beccles, is very much a man with standards.

One of the first things he has done since taking up his new post at Ipswich police station this week is to set his stall out to his officers.

He said: “I have made it clear I have specific standards of behaviour and appearance for my staff.

“I feel over the years some of that has got a bit blurred. I'm old-fashioned in that regard.”

Ch Supt Cordell is also a man with a clear vision of what he wants to achieve throughout his tenure, but knows the value of doing so with the support of his officers.

The former commander of West Suffolk said: “I will be working closely with my staff and listening to their views.

“I would like to think the standard of constabulary in east Suffolk would rise, people are far more satisfied with the service that is being delivered and we are delivering what is required.

“I would also hope the night-time economy issues are reduced and town centres and villages become nicer places to visit.”

Having started his career in Sudbury 28 years ago, Ch Supt Cordell brings a wealth of experience to his post and has never forgotten why he decided to dedicate his career to Suffolk police.

He said: “I wanted to help people by providing a good service and deal with the bad guys. I think the biggest thing the public want is to receive a prompt and efficient service from the police.

“It is in our gift to either provide a good service or, unfortunately, a bad service and I think we should concentrate on the former rather than the latter.

“Quality of service is a big issue for me.”

Ch Supt Cordell is also keen to get the community involved and welcomes feedback from the public.

A key issue he is looking to address this year is the amount of police resources currently being used to deal with revellers in town centres at night, rather than to patrol neighbourhoods.

Are you satisfied with the quality of policing in your area? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.