THE new Chief Constable of Humberside Police admits the force faces a "huge challenge" continuing to protect the public in light of heavy cuts to its budget.
But Justine Curran, who took up her post earlier this month, says she is confident her officers will deliver.
Speaking at Priory Road police station in Hull, Ms Curran said: "I have spent a lot of time over the past few days out and about talking to people. People are concerned about their local area.
"They want to be able to talk to their local officers and raise any issues they may have with them."
More than 200 police officers have left since it was announced three years ago the force would have to cut £30m before 2015.
Ms Curran, 45, said: "We face a huge challenge. We have to look at all areas of the busines. We need to carry on what we're doing, continuing to cut crime, but we need to do it in a smarter way."
Humberside Police will improve its profile on social media sites, she said.
"We want to explore how we can improve our interaction with the public," said Ms Curran. "I would like us to make better use of social media. Facebook and Twitter can increase knowledge.
"Humberside Police needs to work with the public and other agencies."
Ms Curran replaces Tim Hollis who led the force for eight years.
But Justine Curran, who took up her post earlier this month, says she is confident her officers will deliver.
Speaking at Priory Road police station in Hull, Ms Curran said: "I have spent a lot of time over the past few days out and about talking to people. People are concerned about their local area.
"They want to be able to talk to their local officers and raise any issues they may have with them."
More than 200 police officers have left since it was announced three years ago the force would have to cut £30m before 2015.
Ms Curran, 45, said: "We face a huge challenge. We have to look at all areas of the busines. We need to carry on what we're doing, continuing to cut crime, but we need to do it in a smarter way."
Humberside Police will improve its profile on social media sites, she said.
"We want to explore how we can improve our interaction with the public," said Ms Curran. "I would like us to make better use of social media. Facebook and Twitter can increase knowledge.
"Humberside Police needs to work with the public and other agencies."
Ms Curran replaces Tim Hollis who led the force for eight years.
