THE new head of operations for Dorset Police has been named as Chief Superintendent David Burgess.

He takes over the post from Chief Superintendent Simon Merry, who is now head of the force's quality and development department.

Chief Supt Burgess, who joined Dorset Police in 1975, will now have responsibility for the dog section, road policing unit, air support unit and marine section as well as firearms, contingency planning, call handling and the force's communication centre.

He was promoted to Chief Inspector of Operations at the Winfrith headquarters in 1991 until 1993 when he then spent a year as the deputy co-ordinator for conference planning.

He became divisional commander of the new Eastern Division in 1997 and in 2001 he returned to headquarters as community safety head where he introduced the rural community contact vehicles.

Chief Supt Burgess said: "I am delighted to be returning to the operations division and the challenges that come with the new role.

"My main aims will be to ensure Dorset Police provides the best level of service for the community and that we continue to build on the excellent partnership arrangements, which are already a significant part of local policing."

He also issued a warning to motorists not to drink and drive, reduce their speed and make sure they use their headlights. He also urged parents to make sure their children are correctly equipment when riding bikes on the road.