The Volunteer Who Just Made Devon and Cornwall Police History

She made her first arrest back in 2007. Nineteen years on, she runs the whole show.

Dr Ashley Frayling has collected her 19-year Long Service Award from Devon and Cornwall Police, marking close to two decades of front-line volunteering. And she has done all of it while holding down a full academic career on the side.

A double life, in uniform and in the lecture hall

Away from policing, Dr Frayling is a senior lecturer in Social and Political Sciences, Philosophy and Anthropology at the University of Exeter. The force credits her with balancing that academic work against the demands of operational policing for the best part of twenty years, all of it as a volunteer.

Her name has become closely tied to professional standards within the Special Constabulary, along with her work supporting women across its ranks.

The first woman to hold the role

In 2024, Dr Frayling became the first female Chief Officer of the Special Constabulary in Devon and Cornwall. The following year she picked up the Lord Ferrers Award, handed out for leadership in police volunteering.

Over her 19 years she has backed up frontline officers, mentored colleagues and worked to tie the force more closely to the communities it covers.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in Devon and Cornwall Police as a Special Constable. Being a SC is a voluntary role like no other and every shift brings a new challenge,” she said. “All Special Constables balance their day lives to bring their skills and experience to the uniform. We come from all walks to life but share the common goal of making our communities safer.

“From my first arrest in 2007 to becoming Chief Officer, I have been humbled by the dedication and valour of my fellow officers. Without them and their support I wouldn’t be where I am today. Our team has gone through a lot of changes, but I am proud of how far we have come and the great things ahead of us.”

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “Dr Ashley Frayling’s long service is a testament to her unwavering commitment and professionalism. Her leadership, particularly as our first female Chief Officer, is both inspirational and transformative. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and grateful for her continued service.”

Want to do what she does?

The Special Constabulary is built entirely on volunteers, who work shoulder to shoulder with regular officers and rack up thousands of hours every year.

Recruitment is open right now. The force is pitching it at people from any background who fancy a new challenge, want to put something back into their local area, or are weighing up a future career in policing. Full training comes as part of the deal, and the hours are flexible.

You can find out more and apply on the Devon and Cornwall Police Special Constabulary page.

📷Chief Constable James Vaughan, Chief Officer Ashley Frayling and Lord Lieutenant Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho at the Long Service Awards