VAWG

May212026

Have your say on police force mergers in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

To ensure the voices of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly residents are heard on proposed police force mergers across England and Wales, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has launched her own survey.

In January, the government set out its policing reform plans which include potentially merging the existing 43 forces into larger, regional forces. Devon and Cornwall Police is already the largest geographic police force in England. It covers 4,000 sq miles with the largest road network of 13,500 miles, 730 miles of coastline and stretching 12 nautical miles out to sea.

Council tax contributions make up 43 per cent of the Devon & Cornwall Police budget and have enabled the record number of 3,610 police officers.

An Independent Review of Police Force Structures is being carried out to advise the government on how to take the force merger plans forward by engaging with a wide range of policing and community stakeholders. However, the review is not yet asking for the views of members of the public – meaning that it is unclear how much popular support there is for these changes.

It has prompted the Commissioner to launch her own consultation to ensure that local residents are aware of what is initially being proposed and to give everyone the opportunity to have their say.

Questions in the short survey include whether Devon & Cornwall Police should merge with other local forces. People are also being asked about the potential benefits and risks of mergers and what impact they could have on policing.

Opinions received will help to inform the Commissioner and enable her to use the results to influence any next stages of reform.

This week, Commissioner Hernandez has submitted her views as part of the Independent Review of Police Force Structures which is being chaired by Lord Hogan-Howe. It is available to read on the OPCC website. A report is expected to be made back to the Home Secretary at the end of summer 2026.

The Commissioner said: “It is vital the government doesn’t adopt a one size fits all approach for the whole country because each area has its own different challenges.

“Our force area is already extremely large due to our unique geography and there are specific policing requirements for our region, including an influx of tourists in the summer.

“A merger of any scale would make our force area become significantly bigger, but what is not yet clear is whether that means services will be better. It will make it harder for strategic partnerships to remain connected and I have questions about how accessible the top leaders will be.

“It is not yet clear what savings, if any, will be achieved under the reforms. My view is it needs to demonstrated how a merger will benefit the size and complexity of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“I would urge everyone to have their say in my survey because it could make a real difference.”

Responses can be submitted anonymously. The deadline for them to be received is by 23.45 on July 12.

To fill in the survey please click here – Survey on Police Force Mergers

A summary of the results will be published on this page of our website. For further information about the proposals, you can head to the dedicated policing reform pages of the OPCC website: Home – Policing reform – Your voice in policing

The government’s white paper From Local to National: a new model for policing is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/from-local-to-national-a-new-model-for-policing

May192026

A decade of ‘eventful and unforgettable’ memories being your Police and Crime Commissioner

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This month marks 10 eventful and unforgettable years since I was elected as your Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Inevitably, it has given me cause to reflect about the changes that have taken place, the difficult – and often very challenging – times I have overseen, and the many great things that have been accomplished.

One of the things I am most proud of is delivering on the promise to recruit record numbers of police officers to make our streets and communities safer. Numbers are now at a record high of 3,610 within Devon & Cornwall Police which I will do my upmost to maintain until the end of my term.

I am equally proud of having opened more police enquiry offices since 2016 than any other police force in the country. In the last financial year, three more were opened in Tavistock, Ivybridge and Liskeard bringing the total to 17. This has been possible thanks to us all for paying more in our council tax.

Alison Hernandez taking the Police and Crime Commissioner oath in 2006

In 2020, I had the privilege of opening the new £29m Exeter Police Station. The same year also marked the opening of a new £2m police station in Liskeard. More recently, Camborne Police Station and front office has undergone a significant refurbishment of nearly £7.5m. It is now much easier for people to speak to officers face-to-face and for victims to get support.

A controversial decision I still stand behind was opposing the business case to merge Devon & Cornwall Police with Dorset Police in 2018. There was not overwhelming public support for it and my view was the huge disruption it would cause was not worth the relatively minor savings, and it would have led to a further increase in council tax precepts for our residents. My decision was backed by the Police and Crime Panel who scrutinise my decisions. But eight years on, mergers are now back on the table under new policing reforms proposed by the government.

The Commissioner opening Penzance PEO in 2022

I hope that any future merger discussions will involve extensive consultation with local residents as it is essential your views are taken into account to secure legitimacy of policing. Throughout the past decade, my office has collated the views of thousands of residents on policing matters in my annual survey and I have listened and acted upon the consistent message to see more visible foot patrols out on our streets.

My office has funded the expansion of a unique and innovative model of collaboration between police, fire, and health services in the form of Tri-Service Safety Officers (TSSOs). They have combined skills from all services and it is hoped they will be replicated across the country in the future.

A need to make our roads safer was the inspiration behind launching Vision Zero South West in 2019 which is a partnership that brings together key partners who share the ambitious aim of halving the number of deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads by 2030, with the long-term goal of reducing them to zero. Latest statistics show we are on our way to achieving that.

Road safety is one of the Commissioner’s key priorities

Success has also come in the form of an array of awards my office has received, including some for leading the nationally award-winning Prisoners Building Homes (PBH) scheme. It trains prisoners on day release in factories to help build modular homes, leaving them with a job and money. Reducing reoffending is such an important aspect to stopping more people becoming victims, and with earlier and earlier prison releases, which is why it is one of my key priorities.

Another important part of my role is holding the police to account which includes dealing with allegations of police misconduct at the highest level. No Commissioner wants to have had to deal with the suspension of a Chief Constable and then the Acting Chief Constable. But since December 2024, there has been stability and huge improvements within Devon & Cornwall Police have been made under the experienced leadership of Chief Constable James Vaughan QPM.

Last July, the force was removed from enhanced monitoring by the police inspectorate, nearly three years after being placed in what is commonly referred to as ‘special measures’. Significant failings had been identified around performance areas such as how the force was responding to emergency calls, recording crimes and investigating cases.

Scrutiny carried out by my office meant the issues were already beginning to be tackled but the reasons for the decline were varied. They included the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and how those rules were enforced in policing, distractions caused by the proposed merger with Dorset, policing the G7 summit which was held in Cornwall in 2021, and the aftermath of the catastrophic mass shootings of five people in Keyham, also in 2021, which identified significant failings within the force.

The Commissioner appoints James Vaughan as interim Chief Constable in 2024

There have since been major improvements, particularly around firearms, and I can reassure that the force does now have a better grip on performance, but there is still work to do in many areas.

Learning and changes have also been instigated following deaths in custody, and in the last five years, the force has reviewed the training in place for officers and staff to further improve the safety of detainees.

Every death, no matter what the circumstances, always has an impact on you, but one that still stays with me today is that of 18-year-old Bobbi-Anne McLeod who was abducted from a bus stop in Plymouth in 2021 and murdered by a 24-year-old man. He was jailed for life and it remains my hope he is never released because of the abhorrent actions he carried out.

The Exeter murder of Lorraine Cox also had a massively profound impact on me, and I am full of nothing but complete admiration for her father Tony who has since been instrumental in helping make Exeter a safer place for all.

I have also recently been inspired by the devoted family of 32-year-old Michael Riddiough-Allen who was fatally stabbed outside a nightclub in Bodmin three years ago. They set up the charity Mike’s Trust in 2024 and his sister Becky’s compassionate approach to tackling knife crime through education is vital for preventing more victims. She recently appeared as a guest in my podcast series Your VIP: Your Voice in Policing.

The Commissioner at the podcast filming with Becky Dustan of Mike’s Trust

A consistent throughout my 10 years as Commissioner has been being your voice in policing by carefully listening to what is important to you. My term in office will end in May 2028 which is when Commissioners will be abolished and replaced with elected mayors or, as will be the case in Devon and Cornwall, a new Police and Crime Board made up of local council leaders.

Hand on heart, I can say that despite the many challenges and changes the past decade has thrown my way, it has been an honour to represent our two counties and our islands.

I have had the privilege of meeting and working with so many incredible people from all walks of life who either work or volunteer tirelessly to help improve the lives and safety of others.

I remain as committed now as I was 10 years ago to delivering on my police and crime plan priorities of tackling antisocial behaviour, drugs and alcohol, serious violence and theft, and will continue to ensure the force focuses on the things that matter to you most and provides a service you can trust and have confidence in.

$Commissioner provides assurance over crime concerns raised in Ilfracombe$

May182026

Commissioner provides assurance over crime concerns raised in Ilfracombe

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Concerns raised by Ilfracombe Town Council about rising crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB) have been directly responded to by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.

In a letter sent to the Commissioner, councillors described a rise in shoplifting, street violence and intimidation in the popular seaside town and called for more policing resources. Reassurance has been provided by the Commissioner about how those concerns are being tackled. She has urged people to report any incidents of crime and ASB to the police.

Below is the Commissioner’s letter in full to Ilfracombe Town Council:

Laura Donovan

Proper Officer

Ilfracombe Town Council

15 May 2026

Dear Laura,

Thank you very much for your letter dated 24 April 2026. I am sorry to read about the issues you have highlighted. You are right to say that everyone should be able to go about their lives without the threat of violence and theft.

As the Police and Crime Commissioner I set the priorities for the police and hold the Chief Constable to account, but I do not make operational decisions. One of my key responsibilities is to be the voice of the people in policing, and I will be raising your concerns with the Chief Constable and my office has already liaised with the local police inspector. In particular, I will be reiterating the importance of communication between the neighbourhood policing team and the street marshals who operate in the town. As you know, information sharing and partnership working are vital.

Before turning to the other actions that can be taken, I would like to acknowledge the work your Council has been doing to try to improve public safety. Your monthly One Ilfracombe Town Team meeting with partners including the police, your social media campaign encouraging people to report crime, and the One Ilfracombe youth club are all initiatives which should be highly commended.

I would now like to set out some of the ways my Office has already been working alongside you and our other partners to tackle these issues and suggest some next steps.

Street marshals

I have recently announced an extension to the funding I contribute towards the street marshals which are currently in Ilfracombe for two days a week. I know the Town Council has also been investing in this service. Since receiving your letter my Office has spoken to the company which provides this service and suggested that further conversations are held to see if this service can be extended.

Shoplifting reporting tool

I am pleased to say that seven businesses in Ilfracombe have so far signed up to UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC). This follows an information event held by UKPAC in Ilfracombe on 20 January which was attended by around 20 businesses. This initiative is a game changer. It dramatically reduces the time it takes for businesses to report shoplifting and it saves police time too. The results in South Devon have been remarkable. The funding provided by my Office allows UKPAC to offer the first year of membership free of charge. I would very much appreciate any efforts you can make to encourage more businesses to sign-up.

CCTV

Last year towns and villages across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were invited to apply for a share of a £125,000 fund for new CCTV provided by my Office. Whilst I did not receive an application for Ilfracombe on this I understand the District Council is looking at whether CCTV in the town can be extended. While I may not be able to support this financially, I would strongly encourage any move to increase the CCTV cover in the town.

Youth Services

I have recently invested in the expansion of the “Change our Path” service which provides a programme of activities for vulnerable young people aged 11-18 in Ilfracombe who are at risk of criminal exploitation, facing school exclusion, struggling with mental health, experiencing trauma or dealing with bereavement. I also fund an antisocial behaviour outreach programme across Devon and Cornwall which works to divert young people from problematic behaviour.

Parenting support

An impactful initiative that has been helping Devon parents and carers discuss difficult topics with children such as pornography, drugs and alcohol, relationships and mental health is now available for free online. My office has provided £100,000 to help expand successful programme Let’s Talk which has included launching a website so that everyone, regardless of where they live, can access its trusted guidance. I would recommend that the Town Council asks the local Community Safety Partnership to increase promotion of this service in Ilfracombe.

Councillor Advocate Scheme

There is currently one councillor from Ilfracombe signed up to the Councillor Advocate Scheme run by my office and I would urge others to consider joining. The scheme aims to improve communication between local councillors, the police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner, with quarterly events where briefings are given and there is an opportunity to raise questions and discuss policing issues. In December, I hosted a seminar for members which looked at examples of best practice tackling drug and alcohol misuse and harm across Devon and Cornwall.

I conclude this reply to your letter by again expressing my concern about the issues being raised and my hope that the ideas mentioned above will be helpful. I would also like to reiterate my thank you for the work you are doing to encourage more people to report crimes to the police. In February 2024 the Police Enquiry Office in Ilfracombe was re-opened with funding I provided. This provides a way for people to report crimes and raise concerns with the police, alongside the option of using the 101 service, where call answering times have improved significantly in recent months. As you know reporting crime is vitally important because this information is used by the police to assist with decisions about where officers and staff are based.

Yours sincerely,

Alison Hernandez

May182026

New night bus routes introduced in Devon and Cornwall

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Making a popular return this summer is Cornwall’s convenient and affordable Saturday night bus service. Devon also benefits from year-round night buses with an extra route being added this year in Newton Abbot.

The initiative is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and delivered in partnership with local councils, businesses and emergency services. The scheme aims to reduce drink and drug driving, alcohol related crime and antisocial behaviour, and violence against women and girls, while supporting the night-time economy by helping people get home safely up until 4am. Journeys are also affordable, capped at a maximum of £3 per way.

In Cornwall, the Newquay night bus is making a comeback with some route changes, and a new service will be available in Perranporth. Both are being delivered by new provider Go Cornwall for 16 weeks from Saturday, May 23, to Saturday, September 5.

Last year the Newquay bus ran for 14 weeks and was used by 745 passengers – an average of 53 per night.

In Devon, night bus services now run all year round due to demand. Areas within the scheme include North Devon, Torquay, Plymouth, Exeter and Cranbrook.

The continued expansion of the successful scheme will see the introduction of Newton Abbot night bus – solely funded by Torbay Council – launched on Saturday, May 30.

Since night buses were first trialled in 2023 as a Christmas service and then also a summer service, more than 28,500 passengers have travelled on them. The average number of passengers using night buses across Devon and Cornwall night was 530 people.

Commissioner Alison Hernandez aboard what will be the night bus in Newquay

Hoping that even more people will benefit from them this summer and beyond, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “The night buses provide an easy and affordable way for people to enjoy a night out or go to work and know they can get home safely.

“Due to high passenger numbers, my office has committed to continue being the main funder of night buses where they are most needed throughout 2026 to ensure community safety and crime prevention which are among my key priorities. The service has already proven to have contributed to a reduction in antisocial behaviour and violence as well as drink/drug drive cases. It is also reassuring that no incidents have been reported on the buses themselves either showing once again how effective they are.

“It has been incredible to see the service grow from one route over 10 weeks, to 10 routes all year round in Devon and, for 2026, two 16 week summer services in Newquay and Perranporth. This would not have been possible without the support of our local transport providers so thank you to Stagecoach for its ongoing commitment to the Devon scheme, and to Go Cornwall for taking on the Newquay route this year.”

Regarding wider transport safety, the Commissioner added that as part of the OPCC’s ongoing work around disrupting violence against women and girls, she has written a letter of support for a proposed research project focusing on gender-based violence on public transport. Fellowship funding is being sought by Dr Sian Lewis at the University of Plymouth to address a critical evidence gap by focusing on lived experiences.

Public safety is a key policing priority and the night bus routes are seen as an important part of keeping people safe at night.

Sector Inspector Steve Johnson of Devon & Cornwall Police, based in Newquay said: “We welcome the reintroduction of the night bus in Cornwall and the provision of continued services across Devon. The night bus has been shown to reduce antisocial behaviour, drink/drug drive related incidents and violence against women and girls.

“Partnership work is a key part of our prevention efforts and we’re pleased to be working alongside local businesses and councils to help prevent crime and improve safety.

“I encourage anyone who is enjoying a night out in the Newquay and Perranporth areas to consider using the new night bus service to get home safely.”

Mark Collins, Commercial Director Go Cornwall Bus, said: “Go Cornwall Bus is proud to be partnering with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide these night bus services in Newquay and Perranporth this summer. Passenger safety is always a top priority for us, and as a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we are proud to support an initiative that helps all people, particularly women and girls, travel home safely.”

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, said: “I am delighted we are continuing to support the night bus scheme, and that the service is returning to Newquay and Perranporth this summer.

“The evidence shows these buses help reduce antisocial behaviour and have a direct impact on safety, especially for women and girls.

“It is a great example of how partnership working can make a real positive difference for our communities.”

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Torbay Council’s cabinet member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Extending this route into Newton Abbot will help more people get home safely after a night out. It will also benefit people working late into the evening such as shift workers or anyone working in hospitality.

“A strong night-time economy relies on safe and reliable transport and this night bus service is an important part of that.”

Night bus routes in Cornwall

Newquay

Perranporth to Newquay

Bus times can be found by visiting Transport for Cornwall – Bus tickets, timetables & more

Night bus routes in Devon

Exeter to Cullompton, Cranbrook, Crediton and Exmouth

Barnstaple to Bideford and Ilfracombe

Plymouth to Tavistock and Saltash

Torquay to Paignton and Brixham

Newton Abbot to Torquay (starting from May 30)

Bus times can be found on the Stagecoach website https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-west/night-buses

and app.

Devon and Cornwall night bus timetables can also be found on the Devon & Cornwall Police website here: Night Buses | Devon & Cornwall Police

May132026

Women’s quest for justice features in Do You Know this Man? television documentary

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An inspiring woman has agreed to feature in a television documentary to highlight why it is so important to report to police any incidents of sexual abuse and violence because of the devastating impact it had on not only her life but others.

The bravery of Mary Sharp has been praised by Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez who is encouraging others to report crimes to the police to prevent perpetrators from reoffending and behaviours escalating.

Mary was just 20 years old when she was raped by her then boyfriend while visiting his parents for the first time in Cornwall. Her horrific ordeal began when she woke up in bed to find she had been tied up and was being raped and suffocated.

The perpetrator, Martin Butler, blamed her for the assault and, terrified to tell anyone what happened, she kept the secret semi-hidden for 30 years until 2018 when she saw a post on social media. Mary instantly recognised him as an ex-boyfriend.

In the post, Laura Hughes and Lauren Preston alleged they were both sexually abused when they were as young as 14 years old. The case collapsed in court due to a procedural error and, on this occasion, Butler walked free.

It prompted Laura to post a public appeal for other victims to come forward. The trio are now appearing in a documentary called Do You Know this Man? which will be shown on Channel 4 this Wednesday, May 13, at 10pm.

Mary, who is now 58 said: “When I was raped he blamed me and said it was my fault. Even though I knew in my heart he was wrong, I didn’t speak out because the fear was overwhelming. I was too ashamed to tell anyone and I carried the blame.

“I felt so utterly stupid to have trusted someone who could do that, so I tried to bury any memory of it. But the trauma never left me for over 30 years.

“As soon as I saw Laura’s social media post my whole world just collapsed. I realised it wasn’t me who was to blame; it was him and I shouldn’t be wearing the shame of it.

“What made me decide to report him to the police was seeing my teenage children watching a film and giggling and laughing. It was how I used to watch television until I was raped.

“I look back at photographs of me after it happened, and I just look haunted because I suffered in silence.”

It was five years after reporting Butler to the police that Mary finally got justice in April 2023. Laura and Lauren both gave evidence which helped secure the conviction. Butler, then aged 61, of Stevenage, was jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of rape and buggery following a trial at Truro Crown Court.

Mary said: “When I reported him to the police, I didn’t think about him going to prison; I thought too much time had passed for any conviction so I just wanted the police to keep an eye on him. I didn’t think they would believe me, but victims now have a voice and my police officer gave me continued support throughout the case, giving me the strength to keep going and not give up at the first hurdle.

“The Crown Prosecution Service threw the case out twice after deciding there was not enough evidence. The decision was overturned and I did get an apology, but it took another five years of trauma after reporting him to get justice because of it.

“When I was told he had been found guilty and would be jailed I literally collapsed. I was believed and I was allowed to have justice. I felt like I was becoming a new person and I could start to be my authentic self and begin rebuilding my life.

“I would encourage others to speak out because although it’s painful it shows strength and it might stop the same perpetrator doing something as bad – or worse to others.”

After meeting Laura and Lauren for the first time after the court case, Mary says she admired their strength to stand up and be counted.

She recalled: “Looking at them was like looking in a mirror and seeing the same hell that I had been through. We now call ourselves soul sisters because we have met the same beast.

Mary, who has begun healing thanks to counselling and reigniting a passion for creating art, said: “Now I don’t have to hide it all the time. Instead, I have accepted it and although it has changed me massively, I am learning how to deal with it.”

Mary Sharp

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “This is a powerful reminder of how perpetrators can devastate multiple peoples’ lives, including victims and their families. It is vital all incidents are reported to so that they can gather the intelligence needed to take cases to court.

“The burden of shame needs to be shifted away from victims or individuals with the responsibility placed back onto perpetrators whose vile behaviours will not be tolerated in our society.

“In waiving their right to anonymity, Mary, Laura and Lauren, who have taken part in this documentary, will help encourage other victims to come forward. I am in complete admiration of their strength and compassion for others, and Mary’s story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

“Victim support, funded by office, is available to all crime, regardless whether it has been reported to the police or not.”

Detective Superintendent Nicky Seager, Strategic Safeguarding Lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “We recognise the bravery of anyone who has suffered sexual abuse and commend the victim in this case who made the choice to report and engage with the criminal justice process.

“Devon & Cornwall Police takes all reports of sexual abuse seriously, regardless of how long ago it may have happened and will gather any evidence as required to take appropriate action in line with the victim’s wishes.

“Victims will be listened to sympathetically and will be guided through the criminal justice process with the support of our partner agencies, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and numerous support services – including Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

“As a force we remain fully committed to tackling not just sexual offences, but all reports of violence against women and girls. Each report will be thoroughly investigated by our officers. We recognise that every victim’s experience is different and we aim to provide a tailored response to what can often be a traumatic and difficult process.”

Mary has self-published a book on Amazon called The Silver Thread in which she shares a deeply personal and courageous account of survival, trauma, and the long road to justice and reclaiming power. For each copy sold, 10 per cent of proceeds will go to the Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. Mary is now in the midst of writing a novel based on the impact of keeping trauma silent and has also completed a poetry collection reflecting on trauma, healing, and the threads that connect us.

To report a crime please call 101, online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or via 999 if in immediate danger.

For victim support, please visit the OPCC’s Victim Care website, www.victimcare-dc.org for more details.

May112026

Local policing reform updates for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly residents

opccUncategorized

To uphold my commitment to be your voice in policing, my office has launched a dedicated website section to keep you updated on what the government’s policing reform proposals specifically mean for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Precise details about the future of policing, how it will be governed locally and what force boundaries will look like are still waiting to be confirmed. But what we do know is that very significant changes are on the way and I will endeavour to share that information with you when it becomes available.

The wheels of change began to be put in motion back in January when the government published its White Paper on policing reform. It is the biggest redesign of policing in England and Wales since the 1960s.

The proposals for the reform and modernisation of policing include:

reducing the number of police forces through mergers

the introduction of a National Police Service to lead on serious and organised crime and counter terrorism

abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) from May 2028

a future review of the police funding formula

establishing new Police and Crime Boards where powers currently cannot be transferred to a regional mayor

Timescales and details for many of these reforms are not yet clear and many of the structural changes are expected to take place beyond 2029.

In March, it was announced an Independent Review of Police Force Structures will be chaired by Lord Hogan-Howe. This is already under way and a report is expected to be made back to the Home Secretary at the end of summer 2026. Although disappointingly it does not allow much time for evidence to be gathered, I am trying to ensure the unique geography and specific policing requirements for our region, including an influx of tourists in the summer, are fully taken into account.

I, along with members of my executive team, have been meeting with other PCCs and CEOs across the South West to discuss the implications of future policing changes and are also participating in a wider targeted call for evidence, along with the Chief Constable and partners across the region.

The White Paper also covers a range of other issues, including reforms to the arrangements for appointment and dismissal of chief constables and police conduct matters.

To help you understand the complexities of the work around police reforms, our website features dedicated sections to help everyone navigate through the different strands, including a useful timeline which will be kept updated. I will also publish information about my evidence submissions, letters and activities so you know what I am doing on your behalf.

I would also encourage everyone to share your views on how you would like to see policing structured in the future by taking a few minutes to fill out my annual survey. When the results were collated at the beginning of the year, 66 per cent of survey respondents said they would like Devon & Cornwall Police to continue in its current form.

While it is clear improvements can and should be made in certain areas of policing and collaborative working can save money and reduce crime, it is vital forces are independently and adequately held to account. It is only our consent for policing that allows them to use proportionate force on us or remove our liberty through detention in a custody cell. Larger forces don’t necessarily equate to better results for the public and victims, nor ensure police legitimacy through distant and inaccessible leadership.

A change to the current unfair policing funding formula is key to making sure policing is recognised as a universal service no matter where you live, especially in Devon and Cornwall which has been unfairly underfunded for far too long due to a lack of recognition that we are the largest geographic force in England with the largest road network and the highest number of domestic visitors during the summer.

While I am still Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, I will continue to advocate for what is best for residents and communities which is what all policing reform should be based on.

For more information about policing reform, please visit Home – Policing reform – Your voice in policing

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