Two long serving Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who work in Exmouth are leaving Devon & Cornwall Police after a combined career total of more than 50 years.

Karen Capey and Colin Balch are familiar figures in Exmouth town centre, as well as Budleigh Salterton and surrounding villages. They have worked for a long time for the Force in various roles and have attended plenty of community events and helped many members of the public over the years.

Karen has worked at Exmouth Police Station for more than 20 years and was previously a traffic warden for around five years. She also has experience of working in the care setting and helping those with mental health issues or extra needs.

Colin previously worked as a postal courier for Devon & Cornwall Police, based at Exmouth and followed that by a stint in the front office at Exmouth Police Station before becoming a PCSO. He has a total service of around 30 years.   

Exmouth sector inspector Grant Leitch said: “Both Karen and Colin have been a valuable part of the Exmouth Neighbourhood Police Team and have clocked up many years’ service between them. They will be greatly missed by colleagues and the communities of Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and nearby.

“I would like to thank them for their dedication and all the fantastic achievements they have contributed to over the years to help keep the public safe and listen to community concerns, as well as helping with crime investigations.”  

Both officers are looking forward to spending more time with family and friends. 

PCSO Chris Ball will continue to serve the public in the Exmouth area and information about local events he is attending will be added to the Exmouth Police Facebook page. Why not follow the account to get the latest updates.

Police community support officers (PCSOs) work with police teams and share some, but not all, of the officer powers. They wear a uniform and help provide a visible presence in neighbourhoods.  There are more than 100 PCSOs working across Devon and Cornwall.