The report by the College of Policing says an increasing amount of police time is focused on public protection, at a time when officer numbers and budgets are shrinking.
Chief constable Shaun Sawyer agrees - and says the local force has seen a particular focus in recent years on dealing with domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation.
He also said they deal with an average of 18 incidents a day involving people with mental health problems.
Exeter care agency rated 'inadequate' and in special measures
Bosses at Horizon Care insist change
Raw sewage spews into Plymouth suburb estate and woods
Concerns raised for public health and wildlife in Woolwell
Councillor stands under trees to stop chainsaw massacre
Emergency preservation order now in place
Three years jail for charity box thief
And he can't eat in McDonald's for eight years
Spat over whether 'inadequate' children's services are as bad as MP suggests
Exeter's Steve Race believes they are in 'last chance saloon;
