Inspectors Find Progress and Problems at Devon and Cornwall Police

A police chief rarely says out loud that his force is failing people. James Vaughan just did.

Devon & Cornwall Police has welcomed a new inspection report that recognises real progress on how it answers calls for help and prevents crime, while flagging that some victims are still being let down.

The report comes from the latest PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), carried out in January. It recognises that the Force is moving firmly away from the period in which it was placed in “enhanced monitoring.”

What the inspectors praised

The report points to significant progress in contact services, which covers 999 and 101 call handling, as well as the management of sex and dangerous offenders. Inspectors also recognised improved performance in financial management, the control room and prevention work.

HMICFRS said the Force continues to prevent and deter crime and antisocial behaviour well. Early intervention and partnership work were singled out as providing tangible benefits for communities.

Where the Force is falling short

The report is not all positive. Inspectors identified two areas of concern: investigating crime, and safeguarding vulnerable people. On safeguarding, the specific issue raised was inconsistent quality in domestic abuse risk assessments.

On investigations, inspectors recognised improved timeliness, supervision and auditing. But outcomes for victims still require significant improvement. The Force also still needs to improve how effectively it records crime and how it monitors preventative orders.

What happens next

James Vaughan continues to work closely with HMICFRS, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and senior leaders to speed up progress. Comprehensive plans have been submitted, and the Force is working at pace to deliver the report’s recommendations over the summer.

Inspectors will return later this year to reinspect the areas of concern and review how far things have moved. The PCC will continue to scrutinise the Chief Constable and his delivery of these plans through the Commissioner’s Accountability Board.

What the Chief Constable said

James said: “Keeping people safe from harm and providing the best quality service to the public remain at the heart of everything we do. HMICFRS play an important role in holding police forces to account and provide independent scrutiny on behalf of the public. I welcome the findings from the latest report.”

He acknowledged the work still ahead. “Whilst we have delivered sustained improvements since 2022 and the Force has now been fully removed from enhanced monitoring there remains more to do to improve outcomes for victims and ensure consistent safeguarding standards.”

James also addressed his own position. “I have agreed with the Commissioner to stay in post for as long as she requires the stability provided by my leadership and I am confident that, with the dedication of our people, we will continue to improve our service. Although public trust and confidence place us in the top ten nationally due to our firm commitment to visible neighbourhood policing, we must go further and do better.”

On domestic abuse, his words were blunt. “Many of our domestic abuse cases do lead to positive outcomes, but I recognise we are still letting some victims down.”

He set out one change already planned. “Getting the right outcomes for victims is something officers and staff care deeply about. We are planning to move our victim care unit to Police Headquarters, helping ensure victims remain at the centre of our work every day.”

And he pointed to numbers on the front line. “Officer numbers are at a record high, supported by initiatives such as Operation Resolve and a rank review returning 196 officers to the patrol family. These numbers include many experienced transferees who have the skills to support complex investigations and our new student officers.”

The Force says it will keep working with HMICFRS and the PCC to show sustained progress before the next inspection.