The man at the helm of the Sutton’s police force said there was life after law enforcement as he prepared to hand over the reins for good last week.

Chief Superintendent borough commander Robert Reed, who has held the top job for five years with a total 30 years in the police force, spoke exclusively to the Sutton Guardian days before he handing over to incoming Guy Ferguson on Monday.

Mr Reed, who used to be a research and development chemist before he joined the police, said he would be “naïve” if he thought he wouldn't miss the job.

He said: “It's been a large part of my life; I've held a warrant card and been duty bound by rules for 30 years.”

But Mr Reed said “there is life after the police force”.

He hinted he was planning a move in a new direction, but would give no clues what this would be.

He said: “I'm sure you'll find out.

“Lets just say I have my fingers in a few pies.”

Mr Reed said the job came with many pressures – not least being accountable for crucial decisions with wide-reaching impact.

But the father-of-seven said his family had helped keep him grounded.

He said: “I think for me, as I have a family of seven children, it does help put things into a bit of perspective.

“Family values are important, it is a good benchmark for what you really value in life.

“It also gives me great contact with what's happening with young people as my children are living in the community and I get direct feedback on what we're doing and it's impact.”

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