Chief constable pledges to restore confidence

Chief Constable James Vaughan was sworn in during an attestation ceremony held at the force's headquarters

The newly appointed chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police has pledged to restore public trust and confidence in the force.

James Vaughan said he was "incredibly proud" to be appointed to lead the organisation.

He was sworn in in an attestation ceremony held at the force's headquarters in Exeter last Friday.

In 2017 he was the deputy chief constable working across Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police as part of the strategic alliance between the two forces before becoming the chief constable of Dorset Police.

Whilst acknowledging the challenges facing the force, he said he was proud to lead a team of dedicated officers and staff.

He said: "My main priority over the coming months is to improve the force's performance in several key areas including crime data integrity and investigations standards – areas where HMICFRS continue to raise concern."

Mr Vaughan said: "We know there are areas we need to do better, and I will work tirelessly, alongside officers and staff, to drive forward those areas of greatest concern.

"Together, we can rebuild trust and confidence, ensuring we remain transparent, accountable, and focused on what matters most to our communities."

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: "My team and I are working tirelessly to resolve the leadership challenges at Devon and Cornwall Police and I am delighted to have such a competent and experienced officer leading the force.

"He and I can now focus on our mission to tackle anti-social behaviour, bring more criminals to justice and reconnect policing to the communities we serve through increased visibility and the completion of my programme to reopen 18 Police Enquiry Offices in rural, urban and coastal communities across Devon and Cornwall."