Devon and Cornwall Police Removed from HMICFRS Enhanced Monitoring

Devon and Cornwall Police has officially been removed from enhanced monitoring by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), almost three years after being placed under extra scrutiny.

What Was the Force Being Monitored For?

The Force was moved into what HMICFRS calls the Engage phase in October 2022. This placed Devon and Cornwall Police under closer examination in key areas of concern that required “clear and sustained improvements.”

Three specific issues were identified at the time:

• The management of violent and sexual offenders (MOSOVO)

• The ability to answer emergency and non-emergency calls

• How crime is recorded

In 2024, the Inspectorate added a fourth concern: the standards of criminal investigations.

When Improvements Were Made

The Force was formally discharged from concerns around the management of violent and sexual offenders in January 2023. By September 2024, it was also discharged from enhanced monitoring regarding its handling of emergency and non-emergency calls, with HMICFRS noting ongoing improvement in 101 call abandonment rates.

On 30th July 2025, HMICFRS confirmed that Devon and Cornwall Police had officially exited the Engage phase. However, while progress was recognised in crime recording and investigative work, both areas remain under review and are still causes for concern.

Acknowledging Progress

In a letter to Chief Constable James Vaughan and Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Andy Cooke acknowledged that the Force “continues to make good progress” and expressed confidence in the plans now in place to maintain that progress.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said:

“I am pleased that HMICFRS has removed the Force from its enhanced phase of monitoring and has recognised the significant improvements the Force has made. This is testament to the hard work of officers and staff right across the Force who have worked together to deliver a sustainably improved service for our communities.”

He added:

“We will not be complacent, and we recognise that we still have work to do in crime recording and our investigation standards to ensure that more offenders are brought to justice and victims receive the service they rightly deserve.”

HMICFRS noted that officers now have a better understanding of crime recording principles, which has improved the service provided to victims. The Inspectorate also acknowledged that more investigation plans are being made and supervisory reviews have increased. Additionally, new tools and an Investigation Academy have been introduced to help improve victim services and develop investigator skills.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez commented:

“This is good news, and a recognition of the hard work and commitment made by police officers and staff under the strong and experienced leadership of Chief Constable James Vaughan. This does not mean the force can afford to be complacent and I look forward to working with Devon & Cornwall Police over the coming months and years to continue to drive improvements.”