James Vaughan to stay on as Devon and Cornwall’s police chief

The person in charge of policing across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is staying exactly where he is, even as the office that oversees him is being wound down.

A contract that runs past the Commissioner’s own job

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has confirmed that Chief Constable James Vaughan has agreed to remain in role, ensuring stable policing leadership of Devon & Cornwall Police until August 2028.

The contract extension means James will remain in post beyond the government’s plans to abolish the Police and Crime Commissioner role in May 2028, so the force keeps the same person at the top through that transition and for three months beyond it.

“Important cultural improvements”

Alison said she was delighted James had agreed to stay on until August 2028. She said that since taking up the role of Chief Constable in December 2024, he had provided strong and effective leadership during a period of significant change for the force.

Under his leadership, Alison said, the force had seen important cultural improvements that were now translating into tangible improvements in performance and service delivery for communities. Devon & Cornwall Police is no longer subject to enhanced monitoring by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, 101 and 999 call answering times are improving, and Operation Resolve is returning more officers to frontline policing where they are needed most.

“These are important achievements and demonstrate the progress being made across the force,” Alison said. “I know many share my view that James’ decision to continue serving the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is extremely welcome news. While there remains much work to do, I am confident that the force will continue to benefit from James’ experience, commitment and leadership over the next two years.”

A programme that began in December 2024

James was appointed Chief Constable in December 2024 and has since led a programme of organisational improvement focused on strengthening performance, rebuilding public confidence and improving outcomes for communities across the force area. The new contract gives that work continuity, keeping the same leadership in place while Devon & Cornwall Police continues tackling crime and protecting vulnerable people across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Vaughan: “more work to do”

James said he was honoured to continue serving as Chief Constable and grateful for the confidence the Commissioner had placed in him.

“While there is still more work to do, we have made important progress together thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our officers, staff and volunteers,” he said. “We are improving the service we provide to the public, strengthening our performance and continuing to build trust and confidence in policing. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners over the next two years as we continue to tackle crime, protect vulnerable people and deliver the high-quality policing service our communities deserve.”

📷Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and Chief Constable James Vaughan