The man drafted in to give stability to the Devon and Cornwall Police through a period of leadership challenges has agreed to stay on until 2028.

Since he was appointed in December 2024 chief constable James Vaughan has led the force out of special measures and brought in Operation Resolve to put more officers back on the front line.

The officer was originally appointed on an interim basis for a year following the suspension of the then acting chief constable Jim Colwell who was later cleared of gross misconduct allegations.

Police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez said that the contract extension to 2028 meant Mr Vaughan would remain in post beyond the government’s plans to abolish the police and crime commissioner’s role in May 2028.

He had provided “strong and effective” leadership during a period of significant change for Devon & Cornwall Police, she said.

“Under his leadership, we have seen important cultural improvements within the organisation that are now translating into tangible improvements in performance and service delivery for our communities. 

“The force is no longer subject to enhanced monitoring by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, we are seeing improvements in 101 and 999 call answering times, 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. 

“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.”

Chief Constable James Vaughan said he was grateful for the confidence the police and crime commissioner has 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.

“We have moved out of special measures, we are a force that’s in recovery, but there are still two causes of concern around our performance and these are very important, one around investigation and the other safeguarding the adult victims of domestic abuse.

“I said last year I did not want to come here and do a ‘bodge it and scarper’.” he said.

“I am enjoying working with a brilliant workforce and the public here in Devon and Cornwall and I feel honoured and flattered to stay on. I’ll remain as long as I am needed and provide positive help to the force.”

The officer said the police were improving the service they provided to the public 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.”

Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel on Friday, CC Vaughan said there had been a “relentless focus” this year on improving outcomes for victims of crime, which had risen from 12 to 17 per cent.

“It doesn’t sound like very much but it is quite an improvement and will  eventually take us well above the national average,” he said.

He added that returning 200 officers to the frontline from “too many specialist roles” in the force had been a success.

“We still have a few gaps but we are trying to move heaven and earth to make sure that neighbourhood teams and response are staffed to full establishment and then protected.

“I have made an unbreakable promise to my own workforce to make sure they have the people they need in the place they need and a promise to the public that they have their village bobby.”

He said there was an insatiable demand for visible policing and  the force would never be able to satisfy that demand completely.

“The public rightly want to see uniformed officers on the street in their neighbourhood but I have to balance that with having specialised domestic abuse officers, people that are able to deal with rape, murder, counter-terrorism, roads policing and the plethora of other threats and matters we have to deal with.

“I think if I  was able to double the number of officers on the frontline – which I can’t I’m afraid – even then I think the public would want more .

“An ever prevailing challenge in policing is being as visible as the public want us to be.”

During the panel meeting members heard that the use of robotics had made a significant difference in assessing the quality of risk assessments for domestic abuse victims.

CC Vaughan said the use of an algorithm had resulted in 150 cases being escalated for further scrutiny.

Earlier this year a PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue highlighted the force as inadequate at investigating crime and safeguarding vulnerable people. 

The report said there was a queue of more than 8,000 domestic abuse public protection notices waiting for review by Devon and Cornwall police dating from October to December 2025.