Substantial parts of Cambridgeshire now present the difficulties and demands expected within a Metropolitan police force or a large 'inner city' area.

Cambridgeshire's swift and continuing growth is the result of planned large-scale economic development, one of the country's highest birth rates, and, in the past decade, a considerable concentration of migrant worker communities. These communities serve the retail and service sectors, and, in particular, agricultural and food production businesses.

Strategically placed in geographical terms, Cambridgeshire sits at the edge of the region. The A14 and A1, main arterial roads, run through the county, making it easily accessible. This makes it an ideal location for business. London is also less than an hour away.

A world renowned centre of learning, the University of Cambridge, attracts many of the brightest students from all over the world. Cambridge City also acts as host to over 4 million visitors every year, making it a vibrant location for both tourism and commerce.

Cambridgeshire has very wealthy and socially deprived communities in close proximity. This is true across the county, but the City of Peterborough in particular has some of the most deprived wards in the United Kingdom. Figures in the 2007 Index of Multiple Deprivation show that Peterborough has 8 of the 13 most vulnerable wards in Cambridgeshire.(1)

• (1)Cambridgeshire Constabulary Strategic Assessment 2009