Inspector George Ledger has set himself the task of reaching every community in his new patch covering Crook, Willington and the villages in Weardale.
He will head a team of 60 officers based at Crook, with offices at Stanhope, Willington and Tow Law Community Centre.
Inspector Ledger, 40, has moved to Crook after 18 months at Bishop Auckland.
He took over earlier this month when Inspector Graham Hall was promoted and moved to police headquarters in Durham.
Born in Stanley, near Consett, Insp Ledger grew up in Coventry but later moved back to Derwentside.
His 16 years in the force included a spell as town sergeant at Consett.
Married with two children, he is keen to be involved in the regeneration of his new area.
He said: "There are a lot of opportunities at the moment and the police want to play their part.
"Foot and mouth has made it difficult to reach the dales farmers but I want people to know that the smaller communities will not be forgotten."
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