Devon and Cornwall Police dispute claims by The Observer newspaper, showing a 25% drop in the number of 'first responder' posts in the region.
In a statement, the force explained that due to the Comprehensive Spending Review imposed by the Government, it has begun restructuring from a "geographical model to a functional model" to increase efficiencies.
With a budgetary challenge, the force admitted that it needs to reduce in size, meaning cuts of 700 officers and 500 staff by 2016.
According to the police, figures released by The Observer were not in context, explaining that not all of the 500 officers that have faced reductions have been removed from frontline policing, with some of those that have re-deployed to crime and neighbourhood roles, offering visibility and availability.
Meetings by appointment to deal with low-level crime and the increasing use of Police Community Support officers were cited as viable cost-cutting measures.
Residents don't relish 24-hour maccies plan
Two men convicted of Exmouth murder
Comedian turns up at Devon County hall meeting
Inquest opens into skydiver's death in Devon
Barcelona fan watches match at St James Park (but expected to be in Newcastle)
Man in hospital following A30 crash
