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