Devon and Cornwall Police
Devon and Cornwall Police is the territorial police force responsible for policing the ceremonial counties of Devon and Cornwall, including the Isles of Scilly, in South West England.[1][2]
Formed on 1 June 1967 through the amalgamation of the Devon County Constabulary, Cornwall County Constabulary, Exeter City Police, and Plymouth City Police, the force covers over 4,000 square miles—the largest geographic area of any territorial police force in England—and serves a population of approximately 1.7 million residents, which swells seasonally due to around 45 million visitor nights annually.[3][2][4]
The force, which employs over 3,600 warranted officers, faces unique operational challenges from its predominantly rural terrain, 730 miles of coastline, and extensive road network, while maintaining the lowest recorded crime rate in the United Kingdom according to Office for National Statistics data.[5][2][2]
Governed by the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner and led by a chief constable, it has been subject to scrutiny from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, which in 2024 rated it inadequate in responding to the public and recording crime data, though good at preventing crime and protecting vulnerable people.[6][6]
History
Formation and Early Developments
Policing in Devon and Cornwall originated in the mid-19th century, following the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, which prompted the establishment of borough constabularies. By 1836, 22 separate borough police forces had been formed across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly to maintain local order amid industrialization and urban growth.[3] These early forces operated independently, often with limited resources, focusing on basic patrol and petty crime prevention in market towns and coastal communities. County-level policing emerged later, with the Devon Constabulary established on 14 January 1857, initially headquartered in Exeter's militia guard house before relocating due to inadequate facilities.[7] The Cornwall County Constabulary followed a similar pattern, formed under county police acts to cover rural areas beyond borough limits. Post-World War II reforms accelerated consolidation; starting in 1943, smaller borough forces merged into larger county entities, driven by national efforts to standardize and strengthen policing amid resource shortages and rising demands.[3] The modern Devon and Cornwall Police was created on 1 June 1967 through the amalgamation of the Devon and Exeter Police, Cornwall County Constabulary, and Plymouth City Police, as mandated by the Police Act 1964 and formalized by the Devon and Cornwall Police (Amalgamation) Order 1967, signed on 18 March 1967.[3] [8] This merger unified policing across the peninsula, creating a force serving approximately 1.8 million residents over 4,600 square miles, with headquarters at Middlemoor in Exeter. Early developments included integrating disparate administrative systems and personnel—drawing from predecessor forces totaling around 2,000 officers—and adapting to centralized command structures to address cross-border crime and rural isolation challenges.[9] By the early 1970s, the force had begun collaborating with military assets, such as helicopter deployments for search operations, marking initial steps toward specialized capabilities.[10]Chief Constables
The Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police is the professional head of the force, responsible for operational policing, strategy implementation, and compliance with national standards, appointed by the Police and Crime Commissioner following a competitive process. Since the force's formation in 1967 through the amalgamation of the Devon and Cornwall county constabularies, a series of officers have held the position, with tenures varying due to retirements, resignations, and external appointments.[3]| Chief Constable | Tenure | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| John Alderson | 1973–1982 | Pioneered community policing initiatives, including the deployment of dedicated community officers and emphasis on public consultation, which reduced reliance on reactive enforcement; awarded the Queen's Police Medal in 1974.[11][12][13] |
| Donald Elliott | 1984–1989 | Oversaw operational reviews and force assessments during a period of structural adjustments; previously Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police.[14][15] |
| Maria Wallis | c. 2002–2006 | Resigned in July 2006 following loss of confidence from the police authority over management style, pay disputes involving officer salary reductions, and multiple internal controversies; her early retirement was attributed partly to personal factors including family health issues.[16][17][18] |
| Stephen Otter | 2007–2012 | Appointed in January 2007; departed in 2012 to become Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, while serving as national lead for professional standards; focused on force efficiency and counter-terrorism coordination.[19][20][21] |
| Shaun Sawyer | 2012–2022 | Served as temporary Chief Constable from 2012, becoming permanent around 2013; retired in August 2022 after nine years, having joined as Deputy in 2010 from the Metropolitan Police; extended contract in 2016 to 2021 but continued amid budget constraints and operational reforms.[22][23][24] |
| Will Kerr | 2022–2025 | Appointed December 2022 from Police Scotland; suspended July 2023 pending investigation into prior allegations of sexual assault (cleared in 2025); retired by mutual consent in July 2025 after receiving a £165,000 settlement equivalent to nine months' salary.[25][26][27][28] |
| James Vaughan (interim) | 2024–present | Appointed December 2024 following suspension of acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell; contract extended August 2025 to January 2027 for stability; experienced in performance improvement, with prior senior roles including Chief Constable of Northern Ireland's Police Service.[29][30][31] |
Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
PC Walter Creech, a constable with the Devon Constabulary, was murdered on 29 July 1883 while responding to an altercation at the Kings Arms pub in Georgeham, North Devon. Creech, aged 31, intervened to warn George Green, a 70-year-old local man, about his disruptive behavior; Green stabbed him in the stomach, leading to his death. Green was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to penal servitude for life. Creech is buried in Georgeham churchyard, where memorial services have been held in recent years to honor his sacrifice.[34][35][36] PC Dennis Arthur Smith QPM, aged 44, of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, was shot and killed on 21 December 1973 during a routine patrol in Torquay. Smith pursued a dangerously driven vehicle on foot after it crashed; the driver, Martin Fenton, shot him three times at close range with two handguns before stealing Smith's police car and carrying out further shootings at a nearby casino, killing three civilians. Smith was posthumously awarded the Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry. Fenton was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. A memorial plaque was unveiled in Torquay in 2021 to commemorate Smith.[37][38][39]| Officer | Date | Cause | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC Walter Creech | 29 July 1883 | Stabbed during pub disturbance intervention | Georgeham, North Devon[34] |
| PC Dennis Arthur Smith QPM | 21 December 1973 | Shot following vehicle pursuit | Torquay, Devon[37] |
Leadership and Governance
Executive Team and Recent Changes
The Executive Team of Devon and Cornwall Police consists of the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, Assistant Chief Constables responsible for operational portfolios, and civilian directors overseeing resources and people functions.[40] As of October 2025, [Chief Constable](/page/Chief Constable) James Vaughan leads the force, having been appointed on an interim basis in December 2024.[32] Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell serves as second-in-command, with Assistant Chief Constables Nikki Leaper and David Thorne handling key areas such as public protection and territorial operations.[40] Civilian members include Director of Finance and Resources David Wilkin and Assistant Chief Officer for People Alexis Poole, alongside non-executive director Dinah Cox for governance oversight.[41] Recent leadership changes have been marked by instability, including the retirement of former Chief Constable Will Kerr OBE QPM by mutual consent with Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez on July 23, 2025, following his suspension in September 2023 amid an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, from which he was cleared.[27] Kerr's departure concluded a tenure that began in 2018 and involved prior scrutiny over force performance.[42] Concurrently, Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell faced suspension in late 2024 related to operational and conduct issues, but returned to his deputy role in July 2025 after receiving an 18-month written misconduct warning from the Independent Office for Police Conduct.[43] Vaughan, drawn from external experience including prior chief constable roles, was installed to provide continuity and has committed to restoring public trust through performance improvements and addressing cultural issues, such as a "zero tolerance" stance on toxic behavior highlighted in a BBC Panorama investigation aired October 2025.[29][44] On August 8, 2025, Vaughan's interim tenure was extended until January 2027 to ensure stability, with Hernandez citing his direct approach to inherited challenges like control room inefficiencies and response times.[32][30] These shifts reflect broader efforts to stabilize governance amid external inspections critiquing prior leadership on accountability and resource allocation.[45]Police and Crime Commissioner Oversight
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall oversees the Chief Constable's performance, sets the force's strategic priorities via a four-year Police and Crime Plan, allocates the budget, and ensures value for money in policing services across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly.[46] The PCC holds operational independence for the Chief Constable but maintains accountability through regular performance meetings, public reports, and the power to appoint or dismiss the Chief Constable subject to Home Office approval.[47] The role, established under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, replaced the previous police authority structure to enhance democratic oversight. Alison Hernandez, representing the Conservative Party, has held the position since her election on 5 May 2016, securing re-election in 2021 and a third term on 2 May 2024 with 42.1% of the vote and a majority of 23,867 over Labour's candidate.[48] The inaugural PCC, Conservative Tony Hogg, was elected on 15 November 2012 with 37.5% of the vote, defeating the Labour incumbent by over 20,000 votes.[49] Elections occur every four years alongside local polls, with turnout in the 2024 Devon and Cornwall contest at approximately 25%.[50] Under Hernandez's tenure, the 2025-2029 Police and Crime Plan emphasizes preventing harm, tackling serious organized crime, enhancing victim support, and improving community resilience, with specific commitments to increase digital forensics capacity and address rural crime.[51] In June 2025, she introduced a monthly Commissioner's Accountability Board to scrutinize force performance metrics, including response times and complaint handling, aiming for greater transparency.[52] That August, Hernandez extended Chief Constable James Vaughan's contract to January 2027, citing progress in operational delivery despite recruitment challenges. She has advocated for expanded PCC powers, including direct investigations into suspended senior officers, as proposed in February 2025 submissions to national bodies.[53] Hernandez's oversight has faced criticism, including a July 2025 incident where she inaccurately stated that multiple bodies were discovered during weed clearance in a Cornish river, prompting calls for her resignation from local politicians who argued it undermined public trust.[54] In September 2025, a Cornish town council passed a no-confidence motion in both the PCC role and Hernandez personally, citing perceived mismanagement of resources amid rising rural burglaries.[55] Despite such challenges, she was appointed co-lead for the criminal justice portfolio by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners in August 2025, focusing on court backlogs and victim services.[56] The Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel, comprising local councillors, provides statutory scrutiny of the PCC's decisions, with powers to summon reports and veto precept increases exceeding certain thresholds.[57]External Inspections and Monitoring
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) conducts periodic Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy (PEEL) inspections of all police forces in England and Wales to assess performance across key areas including crime prevention, vulnerability protection, operational response, investigations, leadership, and resource management.[58] In the PEEL 2023–2025 inspection of Devon and Cornwall Police, published on July 11, 2024, the force received a "good" rating for preventing crime, reflecting effective community partnerships and proactive interventions that reduced burglary and vehicle crime rates.[59] It was graded "adequate" in protecting vulnerable people, where leaders had improved risk assessment processes but gaps persisted in consistent multi-agency collaboration for high-risk domestic abuse cases; similar adequate ratings applied to developing a positive workplace culture and strategic resource planning, with noted progress in workforce wellbeing initiatives amid financial constraints.[59] However, the report highlighted ongoing requires-improvement areas in responding to the public, including call-handling delays averaging over 30 seconds for emergency 999 calls in some periods, and in conducting investigations, where supervisory oversight was inconsistent and digital evidence management lagged behind national benchmarks.[59] Following the prior 2021–2023 PEEL cycle, where the force was rated inadequate in crime recording (with under-recording rates exceeding 10% for violent crimes), responding to the public, and investigations, HMICFRS placed Devon and Cornwall Police under enhanced monitoring in September 2022 to track remedial actions.[60] This status involved quarterly progress reports and targeted re-inspections, prompted by systemic failures such as inadequate crime data integrity affecting public trust and operational prioritization.[61] By July 30, 2025, after verifying sustained improvements—including a crime recording accuracy rate rising to 94.9% by April 2024 and enhanced training for over 1,500 officers on investigative standards—HMICFRS removed the force from enhanced monitoring, returning it to the default routine inspection phase.[62] [60] The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) provides additional external oversight through investigations into serious complaints and misconduct, issuing recommendations that influence force policies. For instance, a December 2020 IOPC review of custody practices in Torquay led to force-wide reforms in detainee welfare monitoring, including mandatory video recording upgrades implemented by 2022.[63] More recently, in August 2025, an IOPC-directed misconduct hearing resulted in the dismissal of two officers for gross misconduct related to a detainee's death, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of procedural compliance.[64] These interventions, while case-specific, contribute to broader monitoring by enforcing accountability standards external to internal governance.[63]Operational Structure
Basic Command Units and Territorial Coverage
Devon and Cornwall Police serves as the territorial force for the counties of Devon and Cornwall in South West England, including the Isles of Scilly, encompassing approximately 3,967 square miles (10,270 km²) of land and coastline, with a population of around 1.77 million residents. This makes it the largest territorial police force in England by geographic area, characterized by diverse terrain including rural moorlands, coastal peninsulas, national parks such as Dartmoor and Exmoor, and urban centers like Plymouth and Exeter.[4] The force's jurisdiction excludes the City of Exeter's university grounds, which fall under the British Transport Police for certain rail-related matters, but otherwise provides comprehensive coverage across roads totaling over 13,600 miles and 730 miles of coastline.[4] The operational structure is organized into four Basic Command Units (BCUs), each commanded by a Chief Superintendent responsible for local policing delivery, resource allocation, and performance against force priorities.[65] These BCUs handle day-to-day response policing, neighborhood teams, investigations, and community engagement tailored to their specific demographics and geography. Larger BCUs are subdivided into geographic sectors or local policing areas for granular management, such as sector-based response teams and dedicated rural policing units in expansive rural zones.[66] The North and East Devon BCU covers northern and eastern parts of Devon, including Exeter, Exmouth, and Tiverton, focusing on a mix of urban, coastal, and rural challenges like tourism-related crime and agricultural theft.[67] The South and West Devon BCU encompasses southern and western Devon areas such as Torquay, Paignton, Newton Abbot, and Totnes, addressing seasonal visitor influxes, domestic abuse, and road safety on A-roads traversing hilly terrain.[68] Plymouth BCU operates across the unitary authority of Plymouth, a major port city with approximately 260,000 residents, prioritizing urban issues including violent crime, antisocial behavior, and safeguarding in high-density housing.[69] The Cornwall BCU spans Cornwall county and the Isles of Scilly, serving remote coastal communities with emphasis on smuggling prevention, seasonal tourism policing, and isolation-related vulnerabilities across five inhabited islands.[70] This BCU framework, established post-2005 restructuring from 16 to four units, enables localized tasking while integrating with force-wide specialist support.[68]| Basic Command Unit | Key Areas Covered | Approximate Focus |
|---|---|---|
| North and East Devon | Exeter, Exmouth, Tiverton, rural north/east Devon | Urban response, coastal crime, rural patrols[67] |
| South and West Devon | Torquay, Paignton, Newton Abbot, Totnes | Tourism safety, domestic incidents, road policing[68] |
| Plymouth | Plymouth city and unitary authority | Urban violence, antisocial behavior, port security[69] |
| Cornwall | Cornwall mainland, Isles of Scilly | Remote policing, smuggling, seasonal tourism[70] |
Specialist Operations and Support Units
The Specialist Operations Department of Devon and Cornwall Police manages a range of units equipped to handle high-risk incidents, tactical deployments, and specialized searches. These units support frontline operations across the force's territorial area, including rural terrains, coastal regions, and urban centers, with an emphasis on firearms response, search capabilities, and technical surveillance.[71] The Force Support Group (FSG), a core component of specialist operations, comprises tactical teams trained for public order maintenance, warrant executions, and confined space searches. It includes the Dive and Marine Unit based in Plymouth, which conducts underwater and coastal searches for evidence or missing persons, leveraging the force's extensive shoreline responsibilities. The FSG also deploys Public Support Units (PSUs) for riot control and large-scale events, utilizing vehicles such as Mercedes Sprinter vans adapted for public order duties. In 2025, the FSG executed numerous high-risk warrants, contributing to operations against organized crime and drug networks in collaboration with regional units.[72][73][74] Firearms capabilities are provided through Armed Response Vehicles (ARVs), Specialist Firearms Officers (SFOs), and Armed Support Vehicles, with dual-role vehicles shared between armed response and roads policing. ARVs are equipped for immediate deployment to incidents involving potential firearms threats, maintaining a 24/7 readiness posture. Additional payments are allocated to operational firearms commanders and tactical advisors to ensure specialized expertise. As of 2023, the force reported deployments across unit types including armed protection and response cars.[75][76][77] The Dog Section, part of Specialist Operations, employs 36 handlers operating general-purpose, drugs, firearms, and cadaver dogs as of September 2024. Handlers undergo rigorous training, with the unit maintaining a puppy development program to breed and rear working dogs suited to the force's demands. Dogs have been instrumental in pursuits, such as tracking suspects fleeing on motorcycles or locating evidence in high-risk domestic abuse cases.[78][79][80] Aerial support is augmented by the force's Drone Unit, which deploys remotely piloted aircraft for surveillance, search operations, and event security, complementing but not replacing National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopters. The unit's pilots, numbering in a dedicated team, enhance situational awareness in scenarios like suspect pursuits or crowd management, with expansions noted in 2025 for major events.[81][82]Crime Investigation and Intelligence
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Devon and Cornwall Police handles the majority of crime investigations, with detectives integrated into Basic Command Units (BCUs) at larger stations and supported by central specialist teams. Crime Management Investigation Teams (CMITs) were established to manage investigative demand at the local level, aiming to relieve patrol officers and ensure prompt responses to reported offences.[83] These teams focus on initial triage, evidence gathering, and victim support, though implementation varies across the force's four BCUs, leading to inconsistencies in case allocation and outcomes.[58] Specialist investigations include the Major Crime Branch for serious offences such as homicide and sexual assaults, alongside the Digital Forensics Unit (DFU), which processed devices containing over two petabytes of data in the year ending October 2025, reflecting a rise in digital evidence demands from cyber-related and child exploitation cases.[84] Organised crime probes are coordinated through the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), which supports Devon and Cornwall operations targeting threats like drug trafficking and human exploitation across the region.[85] Project Synergy, a recent initiative, centralises complex investigations to address understaffing and inexperience, with a focus on improving supervision and planning, as only 47 of 66 audited cases in 2023-25 had adequate investigation plans.[58] Police intelligence comprises information gathered from public reports, partner agencies, and operational sources to identify patterns in criminal activity, such as drug dealing or vulnerability risks, enabling proactive disruption and resource allocation.[86] The force employs daily tasking and coordination meetings, bolstered by neighbourhood policing links and tools like the Community Intelligence Portal for multi-agency sharing on safeguarding issues.[87] Project Servator integrates intelligence-led deployments to deter terrorism and serious crime through unpredictable patrols informed by threat assessments.[88] However, HMICFRS rated offender management intelligence as requiring improvement in 2023-25, citing inconsistent bail handling, forensic backlogs, and underuse of the Police National Database, contributing to a low 7.8% offences brought to justice rate.[58] Strengths include robust risk assessments for sex offenders, supported by dedicated units and a 1:38 manager-to-offender ratio.[58]Equipment and Resources
Uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment
Officers of Devon and Cornwall Police wear uniforms aligned with national standards for English territorial forces, comprising black or dark blue trousers or skirts, white or light blue shirts, black ties or clips, and high-visibility jackets emblazoned with "POLICE" in reflective lettering for operational visibility. Epaulettes on shoulders denote rank and individual shoulder numbers, while headgear includes peaked caps for men and optional bowler hats for women, both featuring the force's crest. Gloves may be worn for personal protection or hygiene during duties.[89] Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and the accession of King Charles III, uniform insignia incorporating crowns were updated from the Tudor Crown to the St Edward's Crown design, applied to cap badges, bowler badges, and other crowned elements across the force. This change necessitated procurement of new items, with associated costs disclosed under freedom of information requests.[90] A 2024 Police Federation survey of officers across England and Wales, including Devon and Cornwall, revealed significant dissatisfaction with uniform ergonomics and materials; 56% of local respondents described wearing the uniform as a negative experience, while 63% reported at least one health issue—such as rashes, back pain, or worsened pre-existing conditions—believed to stem from or be exacerbated by ill-fitting or inadequate uniform components like body armour carriers. The Federation, representing rank-and-file officers, advocated for enhanced investment in customizable, health-focused designs to mitigate these risks, noting national trends where over 85% of female officers cited related problems.[91] Personal protective equipment (PPE) for Devon and Cornwall officers includes mandatory covert body armour vests providing stab, spike, and ballistic resistance compliant with Home Office-approved standards, typically worn beneath uniforms during frontline patrols to guard against edged weapons prevalent in rural and urban incidents. These vests feature modular carriers with integrated pouches for operational tools, such as two-way radios, ASP expandable batons for non-lethal restraint, PAVA incapacitant spray, handcuffs, and torches. Trained personnel carry conducted energy devices like Tasers, classified as PPE under force health and safety protocols. Public order units receive additional specialist PPE, including rigid helmets, flame-retardant over-suits, and shields for crowd management. Provision of such equipment extends to special constables and volunteers, ensuring parity with warranted officers.[92][93]Vehicles and Fleet Management
Devon and Cornwall Police operates a fleet comprising over 900 vehicles, including marked patrol cars, response units, armed response vehicles (ARVs), roads policing units (RPUs), off-road motorcycles, and specialist safeguarding vehicles.[94] The operational marked vehicle component totals 558 units, supporting the force's coverage of a large rural and coastal area spanning Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly.[95] In response to austerity measures, the force reduced its overall fleet by approximately 20% between 2010 and 2015, while implementing vehicle-tracking technology to optimize deployment and resource allocation amid geographical challenges.[96] More recently, the patrol fleet expanded by 31 vehicles since January 2023 to enhance frontline response capabilities, as noted in HMICFRS PEEL assessments.[97] Fleet procurement and maintenance are managed through the South West Police Procurement Services (SWPPS), which handles contracts for vehicle spare parts, servicing, and specialized conversions, such as dual-role ARVs and RPUs.[98] Vehicles encompass various manufacturers, including Vauxhall Astras for general patrol and BMW models for higher-performance roles, with battenberg markings standard on marked units.[99] Adoption of electric vehicles remains limited; the force has trialed electric utility vehicles like Polaris Ranger EVs for events such as the 2021 G7 Summit and deployed electric bikes for community patrols in Cornwall since 2022, but broader electrification of the main fleet has been constrained by performance limitations and high costs, leading to rejection of full-EV transitions.[100][101][102] Maintenance focuses on efficiency, with annual costs covering servicing, tires, and repairs, though specific figures fluctuate due to factors like vandalism, which contributed to elevated repair bills across forces.[103][94]Performance and Effectiveness
Crime Statistics and Trends
In the 12 months ending March 2025, Devon and Cornwall Police recorded 121,028 crimes across the force area, marking an 11.7% increase of 12,677 offences compared to the previous year.[104] This rise contrasted with national trends, where overall police-recorded crime in England and Wales showed stability or slight declines in certain categories during the same period.[105] Despite the increase, the force maintained one of the lowest overall crime rates in England and Wales at approximately 58 offences per 1,000 population for the 12 months ending August 2025.[106] [107] Violent crime exhibited pronounced growth, with 52,490 offences recorded in the 12 months to December 2024, a 15.5% rise of 7,051 incidents over the prior year.[108] Drug-related offences also surged, totaling 4,267 in the 12 months to June 2024, up 15.9% or 584 from the previous equivalent period.[109] Quarterly data for the period ending March 2025 indicated further upward pressure, with crime rates increasing in both Cornwall and the broader Devon and Cornwall force area relative to the year-earlier quarter.[110] Historical trends show persistent elevation from post-pandemic baselines, including a 10.6% overall increase in the 12 months to September 2022, aligning with national recording improvements but exceeding average force-level growth.[107] Homicide figures remained low and stable, consistent with the national total of 583 offences for the year ending March 2024.[105] These patterns reflect the force's rural and coastal character, where seasonal tourism may contribute to spikes in acquisitive and public order crimes, though official analyses emphasize enhanced detection over disproportionate actual incidence.[111]PEEL Inspections and Efficiency Ratings
The PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy) inspection framework, conducted by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), evaluates police forces in England and Wales across key operational domains, assigning grades of outstanding, good, adequate, requires improvement, or inadequate.[112] Devon and Cornwall Police undergoes these assessments periodically, with the most recent covering the 2023–2025 period and published on 11 July 2024.[59] In the 2023–2025 PEEL inspection, the force received no outstanding grades and demonstrated mixed performance, with strengths in crime prevention but significant shortcomings in core operational areas. HMICFRS graded the force as good in reducing crime and preventing and deterring crime, reflecting effective use of tasking, coordination, and community partnerships through neighbourhood policing teams.[58] Adequate ratings were assigned to protecting vulnerable people, police powers and treating the public fairly, and building, supporting, and protecting the workforce, indicating baseline competence but room for enhancement in risk assessment and staff welfare initiatives.[58]| Area Assessed | Grade |
|---|---|
| Reducing Crime | Good |
| Preventing and Deterring Crime | Good |
| Protecting Vulnerable People | Adequate |
| Police Powers and Treating the Public Fairly | Adequate |
| Building, Supporting and Protecting the Workforce | Adequate |
| Managing Offenders and Suspects | Requires Improvement |
| Recording Data About Crime | Requires Improvement |
| Leadership and Force Management | Requires Improvement |
| Investigating Crime | Inadequate |
| Responding to the Public | Inadequate |