Inspector David McMullinA POLICE officer who has played a key role in tackling crime in Swindon is leaving the town. Inspector David McMullin spearheaded initiatives on prostitution, youth crime and public drinking.

He will remain with Wiltshire Constabulary, working at police headquarters in Devizes.

The 45-year-old father-of-two was at the forefront of police efforts to ban prostitutes from the Manchester Road area using ASBOs.

He also helped set up the restorative justice scheme, whereby young offenders meet the victims of their crimes.

Insp McMullin who trained in Swindon in the early 1980s helped get the town centre designated an alcohol free zone.

And he also set up the door supervisor scheme for bars and clubs.

During his police career, he has also been a traffic officer, firearms officer and custody sergeant.

Insp McMullin said that he will take away fond memories of Swindon.

"I will miss the people most of all," he said.

"We have a brilliant team of officers in Swindon."

He is currently responsible for quality assurance, and also heads one of the five teams of officers who provide round-the-clock cover.

He starts his new role later this month, planning the future of policing in the county.

His replacement is Insp Duncan Mason,47.

He currently works at headquarters, but knows Swindon well as he also trained here.