Responding to the report published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has said she is confident the Chief Constable is making the changes needed to improve the service the public receive from Devon & Cornwall Police.

The report is based on a PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) inspection visit in January this year. It finds the force has made improvements in the way it responds to calls for service, including how quickly it answers emergency calls, and it continues to prevent crime effectively. There is also praise for the way the police have worked with partners to tackle antisocial behaviour. However, inspectors remain concerned about several areas of performance including the quality of investigations, the prioritisation of some cases where the force may need to take action to safeguard vulnerable people, and the service provided to people who have experienced domestic abuse.

In a statement, Commissioner Hernandez said: “I would like to thank His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services for their work, and their ongoing assistance in helping me hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public.

“I am concerned but not surprised by the findings of this inspection report. Members of the public deserve a better service and it’s right that the force is working at pace to make the necessary improvements.

“Many of the issues being raised by His Majesty’s Inspectorate are consistent with those identified during the regular and ongoing scrutiny undertaken by my office. I have an important role in holding the Chief Constable to account, including through the monthly meeting of my Commissioner’s Accountability Board, and I will do all I can to ensure the force implements the recommendations being made.

“I am pleased to see the work the force is doing to tackle antisocial behaviour being acknowledged by inspectors, as this is the consistently the number one issue raised in public surveys carried out by my office.

“It is also reassuring to see the strong leadership of Chief Constable James Vaughan being recognised, both by inspectors, and by the workforce survey which they carried out alongside their visit. I share that confidence in Mr Vaughan, and I am pleased he has agreed to stay in post for as long as I require the stability provided by his leadership.”