A year after Devon & Cornwall Police was taken out of special measures a new inspection rating system puts the force two categories away from that rating.

As of today, Thursday 16 July, every police force in England and Wales has been assigned a performance level by the policing inspectorate for the first time, as part of a drive to support improvements across policing and increase public confidence and accountability.

Performance levels have been decided by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and these range from Level One, the default level, to Level Four (Special Measures) for the most significant performance issues.

Devon and Cornwall Police has been placed in Level Two meaning the force has been identified as having “some low-level, non-systemic issues…which are getting better but require oversight”.

Inspectors say the reason the force has been placed in Level Two is that they are continuing to monitor the way it safeguards some adults and children who are at risk of harm and the quality of its approach to some investigations.

They say the force is “making continuous improvements, particularly in relation to…investigations”.

Inspectors have previously praised the leadership of Chief Constable James Vaughan who they describe as “an experienced chief constable who has contributed positively to the overall direction of the force and provided stability and clarity on what it needs to do to improve overall performance”.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “I am pleased to see this new inspection system recognising the continuing improvements being made by Devon & Cornwall Police. I also welcome the clarity of this new inspection system and its focus on identifying issues more quickly than the previous system and providing support to the many police forces that need to improve performance.

“Being in Level Two means Devon & Cornwall Police will be able to request peer support and expert advice from the College of Policing and the Home Office and I am sure this will help drive further improvements.

“Make no mistake, Devon & Cornwall Police need to reach Level One. That is the standard the public deserves and expects. But I am confident that Mr Vaughan is being well supported and leading the force in a very positive direction.”