Interim Chief Constable has contract extended

Chief Constable James Vaughan has tackled issues "head-on"

The interim Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police has agreed to stay in the job for another 16 months.

James Vaughan was appointed in December after the suspension of the then Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell.

The Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has extended Mr Vaughan's contract to January 2027 and praised him for tackling issues "head-on".

Commissioner Hernandez said the force and the area's residents would benefit from a "much-needed period of stability".

She said: "I have been really pleased to see how Chief Constable Vaughan has tackled head-on several legacy issues from the period of unstable leadership that preceded his appointment.

"It's so important that Mr Vaughan and I take a unified approach in delivering my Police and Crime Plan priorities."

She added: "I look forward to the coming 16 months which I am confident will see more good work and continued improvement under Mr Vaughan's experienced leadership."

'Fantastic organisation'

Vaughan said: "It is a personal privilege to be asked by the Commissioner to stay on in my role.

"I have really enjoyed leading this fantastic organisation for the last eight months and seeing the great work officers, staff and volunteers do every day to keep our communities safe.

"Despite some challenging times we have made considerable progress over the last few years and that is testament to the hard work of everyone in the force."

Since his recruitment, the force has been moved out of special measures.

The process to recruit a substantive Chief Constable is planned to begin in the summer of next year.