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The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
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New mandatory Devon and Cornwall service aims to change the behaviours of domestic abuse perpetrators  

New mandatory Devon and Cornwall service aims to change the behaviours of domestic abuse perpetrators  

A mandatory early intervention service for perpetrators of domestic abuse has been launched in Devon and Cornwall to reduce the risk of future harm to victims and children. 

Perpetrators of ‘standard risk’ domestic abuse can now be ordered by Devon & Cornwall Police to attend victim focused workshops that will enable them to understand the consequences of their actions and how to change their behaviour. 

The award-winning Cautioning and Relationship Abuse (CARA) service is only for low-risk, first time offenders of domestic abuse who have received a conditional caution by police. CARA is being funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for the next five years. 

It launched at the beginning of this month and is being run by Hampton Trust – a leading organisation in the field of domestic abuse and criminal justice. CARA was piloted in Hampshire in 2011 where it has proven to be successful, as well as in seven other force areas including Dorset and Avon and Somerset. 

The service will be made available for up to 200 individuals per year with the majority of participants expected to be men, but separate sessions will also be held for women. A crucial part of the service is support is also provided to the victim.  

PCC Alison Hernandez has welcomed the opening of the service within the region, describing it as a radical new way of trying to tackle domestic abuse. 

She said: “One of my key priorities is protecting women and girls from violence. I’m delighted to have secured funding for this essential scheme which will break the horrific cycle of domestic abuse that detrimentally impacts the lives of women, as well as their children. 

“CARA services elsewhere in the country have proven to successfully reduce reoffending and stop abuse from escalating. What is so innovative about this scheme is perpetrators will be supported to make lifelong behaviour changes to reduce domestic abuse incidents and stop them from escalating. 

“I remain committed to ensuring that all victims are supported through the services we fund, and that the police ensure offenders are brought to justice.  Domestic abuse and violence will not be tolerated.” 

According to latest Devon & Cornwall Police data, in the 12 months up until January of this year, there were 25,092 recorded domestic abuse offences. It is around an eight per cent increase – or an additional 1,863 offences – compared with the same period the previous year. 

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics for a 12-month period up to March 2024, state there were 542 ‘right to ask’ applications made to Devon & Cornwall Police under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law). There were also 573 Domestic Violence Protection Orders granted by courts in Devon and Cornwall. 

In 2024, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) provided a dispensation to police forces in England enabling them to offer a conditional caution to standard risk perpetrators of domestic abuse, where appropriate. 

Referrals to CARA, made through a strict eligibility criteria including where the offender has made a full admission and accepted responsibility, can only be made from the police. Participants take part in two full-day group workshops, four weeks apart, led by facilitators who have been recruited from local voluntary sector domestic abuse service providers in the region. 

They are supported to understand what domestic abuse is and its devastating impact, how to make different choices going forward and prevent their harmful behaviours from becoming more entrenched. It includes being signposted to wider support services.  

Chantal Hughes, CEO of Hampton Trust, said: “We look forward to delivering CARA in collaboration with Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. We bring over 25 years’ experience in developing and delivering innovative, award-winning programmes, interventions, and training to address domestic abuse and criminality, designed to improve the safety and wellbeing of adults, young people, and children. 

“Our evaluations continue to show that CARA not only increases the offenders’ motivation to address their behaviour, but also delivers for victims, with the majority of those who were still in contact with the offender reporting a positive change.  

“We recognise to tackle the root cause of domestic abuse we must examine the complexities behind violent, coercive, and controlling behaviour, and support others to do the same, without which the cycle of abuse will continue.” 

Offender survey feedback data compiled by Hampton Trust in 2023/24 stated that 98 per cent of offender reported CARA had impacted on how they view their own behaviour and had motivated them to change their behaviour.

£1m hotspot policing scheme extended to new areas in Devon & Cornwall 

£1m hotspot policing scheme extended to new areas in Devon & Cornwall 

A scheme which delivered more than 26,000 hours of additional foot patrols in towns and cities across Devon and Cornwall has been extended thanks to a £1 million funding boost. 

The hotspot policing initiative is designed to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence with targeted police and street marshal patrols in areas with the highest levels of crime. 

The project, which was initially launched in May 2024, was made possible through £1 million of Home Office funding secured by Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

The Home Office has now committed a further £1 million to continue hotspot patrols over the next 12 months – expanding the scheme to include two new hotspots in Tiverton and Bodmin.  

The funding pays for additional officer time to conduct the targeted patrols, providing a boost in visible policing where it is needed most. Local crime data is used to identify areas with the highest levels of crime and antisocial behaviour.  

While the priority is to prevent crime, the targeted approach to patrolling places police and partners in the right place at the right time, enabling proactive action. In the past year, this has led to: 

  • 26,821 hours of hotspot patrols 
  • 2,211 pieces of intelligence submitted 
  • 190 Public Protection Notices or safeguarding referrals 
  • 1,467 ASB incidents attended 
  • 256 arrests 
  • 274 stop and searches 
  • 52 offensive weapons seized 
  • 248 pieces of property seized e.g. drugs or stolen goods 
  • 177 enforcements of Public Spaces Protection Orders
  • 8,022 other ASB Crime & Policing Act 2014 powers used 

Chief Inspector Dom Nicholls, who heads up the project, said: “Hotspot policing was introduced across Devon and Cornwall last year and we have already seen positive results. Focusing highly visible police and street marshal patrols in areas of high levels of violence and ASB has been effective in both preventing crime and making people feel safer.  

“I am really pleased that the force has received further funding this year as it provides the opportunity to build on the early success of hotspot policing and ensure that the public continue to see more police on the streets.” 

Community engagement is a key part of hotspot policing to increase public reassurance. Since May 2024, more than 93,000 members of the public have been engaged with during a hotspot patrol and more than 40,000 premises visits. Businesses and residents have felt an increased uniformed presence and reported feeling safer as a result.  

A multi-agency approach has been vital in the success of hotspot policing. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has worked closely with Devon & Cornwall Police, local authorities, business improvement districts and other local partners.  

The street marshals and neighbourhood policing teams have carried out joint patrols and also shared intelligence. This has been made possible as a result of the street marshals receiving training and accreditation through the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).  

CSAS grants street marshals limited policing powers to enhance their ability to address ASB. The accreditation underpins the commitment to collaborative working, allowing partners and police to work together more efficiently to create safer communities.  

In the year ahead, hotspot policing will continue in the foll9owing areas: 

  • Barnstaple 
  • Bideford 
  • Camborne 
  • Exeter 
  • Exmouth 
  • Newquay 
  • Newton Abbot 
  • Paignton 
  • Penzance 
  • Plymouth 
  • St Austell 
  • Torquay 
  • Truro 
  • Bodmin (new hostpot) 
  • Tiverton (new hotspot) 

In addition to reducing ASB and serious violence, cutting knife crime in half is a new objective for the initiative.  

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, will continue to match fund street marshal patrols. 

Commissioner Hernandez said: “Hotspot policing is delivering exactly what our communities have told us they want – more visible patrols, proactive policing and real action to tackle antisocial behaviour.  

“The success of hotspot policing really highlights the power of partnership working. With the police, street marshals and local authorities all working together, we’re creating a more coordinated, community-led approach to public safety.  

“I’m delighted we have secured funding for another year and that two further towns, Bodmin and Tiverton, will benefit from these patrols.” 

Hotspot policing forms part of a wider Street Focus project, aimed at creating safer city and town centres. For more information visit: www.street-focus.co.uk 

Clarification over how Police Crime Commissioners appoint Chief Constables 

Clarification over how Police Crime Commissioners appoint Chief Constables 

Misleading information in the press around the role of Police Crime Commissioners (PCCS), and specifically the recruitment process for Chief Constables, has prompted me to set the record straight. 

PCCs were introduced in England and Wales in 2012, to replace now-abolished Police Authorities to ensure police forces run effectively. We act as the public voice for policing and victims which is at the heart of everything we do. 

We are directly elected politicians, and I have had the honour of being the representative for Devon, Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly since 2016. Although we are not involved in day-to-day operational policing as Chief Constables are operationally independent.  

Our crucial functions – guided by our skills and knowledge – include: 

  • determining local policing priorities 
  • scrutinising police performance 
  • determining appeals against police complaints 
  • appointing volunteers and legal advisers to advise on misconduct panels 
  • setting budgets  
  • proposing the council tax precept for policing 
  • providing services for victims of crime 
  • appointing or dismissing a Chief Constable 

The latter is done in line with police regulations and other legislative requirements. We must observe the principles of merit, fairness and openness to ensure candidates are assessed in a consistent way, and that there is a transparent and justifiable reason why a person is right for the role. 

The last time I carried out a recruitment process for a substantive Chief Constable, we had five candidates apply – not just one as stated in the press for the roles for both the deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. 

PCCs, in consultation with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS), develop a job description and assessment criteria which aligns with clear expectations within the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework (CVF). Its three core values are courage, respect and empathy, and public service, which are derived from the Code of Ethics, and is applicable to everyone in policing. 

PCCs are also required to convene a diverse appointment panel – including at least one independent member and senior policing advisor – who will collectively challenge and test that the candidate meets the necessary requirements to perform the role. 

Those involved in meeting the candidates and making recommendations to explore during the final interview process when I was appointing included HMICFRS, the College of Policing, the Police Federation, police staff associations, elected council leaders and community and faith leaders. 

Notification of the proposed appointment then requires the approval of the Police and Crime Panel – a scrutiny body which examines the actions and decisions of PCCs – and is the process I use to carry out recruitment. The panel is provided with an independent report detailing the recruitment process.  

It is a thorough and vigorous recruitment process – and certainly not one where ‘no checks and balances’ take place, as has been recently incorrectly reported. 

Throughout my rewarding yet challenging years in office, I have spoken out when mistakes or issues within the force have arisen, fought for improvements, and applauded the incredible work carried out by so many who work for Devon & Cornwall Police. 

I will continue to speak out when matters need to be addressed, and that includes ensuring the role of elected PCCs are correctly understood by the public and being a critical friend by scrutinising policing. 

PCCs help improve police forces across England and Wales, so it is therefore disappointing for the roles to be tarnished with incorrect statements around the quality of senior officers when recruiting for top positions.  

It is much-needed recent reforms that will address recruitment issues – along with the continued support of PCCs. I endeavour to be open and transparent about all policing matters, appointments and disciplinary matters. 

My overall focus remains getting the best for the public from the police, supporting others to keep communities safe across the peninsula, and commissioning a wide range of services to support victims of crime and reduce reoffending. 

 

New accountability board will ensure Devon & Cornwall Police is effectively scrutinised and making improvements

New accountability board will ensure Devon & Cornwall Police is effectively scrutinised and making improvements

A new way of holding Devon & Cornwall Police to account and ensuring it is delivering an effective and efficient police service is being achieved through the formation of a new accountability board. 

Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has begun to host a monthly Commissioner’s Accountability Board to discuss a range of topics relating to key police performance indicators. 

Following each meeting, she then makes a judgement of assurance to indicate whether improvement plans are required or not, including details of how she has reached her decision.  

The Commissioner has committed to sharing her levels of judgement with the public and external stakeholders to increase transparency in policing and the criminal justice system. 

On last month’s agenda, three specific areas of performance were scrutinised. The first was complaint handling and service delivery which was given a current performance rating of ‘not assured’ meaning improvements are required.

Commissioner Hernandez concluded neither are yet at an appropriate or acceptable standard, but said she is confident that the police’s improvement plan will deliver effective improvements. Reassurance was provided that the police’s complaint backlog is starting to reduce. 

The second topic was how Devon & Cornwall Police is continuing to rectify concerns identified following a review last year by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) – which has statutory responsibility for the inspection of the police forces of England and Wales. 

It remains in the ‘engage’ process with the inspectorate over contact, crime data recording and investigations, with further improvement work required.  

Commissioner Hernandez was satisfied that comprehensive plans to address all three areas are delivering improvements which provide ‘confidence’ that the issues can be rectified, but as further work is required her overall judgement was ‘part assured’. 

The final topic of the Accountability Board was the force’s response to the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan 2025-29 which sets out her key priorities – antisocial behaviour, serious violence, theft and drugs and alcohol. Her judgement was ‘assured’ that the work already taken by police has been ‘comprehensive and appropriate’. 

At the meeting, Chief Constable James Vaughan also gave an update on the police budget and financial performance, recent homicides and serious crimes, as well as areas of concern and success. 

Commissioner Hernandez said: “The role of Police and Crime Commissioner was created to help make the police more accountable to the people they serve, and the holding of our local police to account on behalf of the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is my core responsibility. 

“I do this in a number of ways and, recently, I have convened a new Accountability Board at which as Chair, I select a number of areas of policing activity and related performance, and scrutinise them in detail, requiring the Chief Constable and his team to explain both current performance and any plans they have in place to make improvements where required. 

“Following this, I then make a judgment on how assured I am, again both in terms of current police performance and the quality of any improvement plans. I then publish a statement describing my levels of assurance for the public to see, along with the agenda and attendance at each board to ensure as wide a visibility as is possible. 

“I remain committed to ensuring that Devon & Cornwall Police delivers a service to our communities as effectively and efficiently as is possible, and my office and I will continue to not only scrutinise and challenge robustly, but also to celebrate and champion whenever appropriate, on behalf of the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.” 

Mr Vaughan added: “I welcome the launch of the Commissioner’s Accountability Board as it gives me the opportunity to give an update on areas of our performance where we are making significant improvements or where further work is taking place to ensure our communities receive the service they deserve.  

“The board will allow the public to see where we are performing well and offer them reassurance that the Commissioner is quite rightly scrutinising those areas where improvements are required.” 

To view Commissioner Hernandez’s statement of assurance please visit Commissioner’s Accountability Board – Your voice in policing where the full board agenda can also be found. 

 

Holsworthy welcomes Devon’s first Tri-Service Safety Officer at community launch event 

Holsworthy welcomes Devon’s first Tri-Service Safety Officer at community launch event 

A significant milestone in community safety and partnership working has been marked with Devon’s first Tri-Service Safety Officer (TSSO) officially launched in Holsworthy.  

Members of the community recently joined representatives from Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the NHS, and local authorities to celebrate the occasion. 

The TSSO role is a pioneering collaboration between police, fire, and health services, designed to enhance early intervention, prevention, and support for vulnerable individuals.  

This innovative model – which is unique to Devon and Cornwall and is hoped to be replicated across the country in the future – began as a pilot in Hayle, Cornwall, in 2014, and has already expanded to 15 full-time roles across Cornwall.  

Working across services, TSSOs respond to issues from a multi-agency perspective. Whether fitting smoke alarms during police welfare checks, making health referrals, or linking residents with local support services, TSSOs offer a smarter, more joined-up way to keep people safe. They are also trained retained firefighters and community responders for the ambulance service—though this emergency response work makes up less than 10% of their time. 

The Holsworthy launch highlights growing momentum and recognition of the role’s value. Two independent evaluations have shown that TSSOs reduce frontline demand, improve individual outcomes, and build stronger, safer communities —particularly in more deprived areas where services often support the same individuals. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez praised the expansion of the role into Devon: “I’m delighted to see the Tri-Service Safety Officer role now established in Holsworthy. This is a forward-thinking, community-focused solution that’s proven to work. By combining the expertise of police, fire, and health, TSSOs are so much more than the sum of their parts, making a real difference on the ground – keeping people safe, supporting the vulnerable, and improving lives.” 

Holsworthy’s new TSSO is paramedic and on-call firefighter Chloe. She is already proving to be an essential part of the local community by not just helping out during emergency incidents but also carrying out vital preventative, awareness and wellbeing work with vulnerable people. 

She said: “In my previous roles, I could only deal with one element according to the service I was with – but now I can combine all three areas of police, fire, and health to support individuals. It is satisfying because you can follow through their journey from start to finish with interventions and monitoring their progress.” 

Chloe and her fellow colleagues were bestowed high praise at the launch event by inspector and TSSO project lead Miles Topham of Devon & Cornwall Police. 

He said: “This project has been going on for just over 10 years in Cornwall where it has proven its worth and is making a significant difference. It is really exciting to welcome Chloe into Devon and hopefully TSSOs will expand further into Devon as well as regionally and nationally.” 

Gerald Taylor, acting deputy chief fire officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “When we were approached to launch a TSSO in Devon it was a no brainer and Holsworthy is the ideal location because of its sparsity. 

“Chloe is phenomenal and is just perfect for the community, especially the work she does around fire safety and prevention, stopping incidents from happening in the first place.” 

Ashley Mann, operations manager for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, added: “It is such an honour and a privilege to see the inception of TSSOs reaching from the border of Cornwall into Devon with all services working as one, and hopefully we will see TSSOs develop and grow through Devon over the years to come.” 

Former High Sheriff of Cornwall Sam Galsworthy attended the launch to present the generous and unique donation of a Civil War breastplate from his home that has been turned into a trophy which will be awarded annually to the TSSO of the Year. 

He said: “I was completely overwhelmed when I heard how the TSSOs came to be and the role they play. It is my privilege to present this award to all three services in recognition of the TSSOs.” 

The TSSO model has earned widespread support, including executive endorsement from all emergency services in Cornwall and backing from MPs. In 2024, former MP for Newquay and St Austell Steve Double raised the initiative in Parliament during an adjournment debate, calling for national expansion. A visit to Westminster followed, with the Tri-Service team receiving full support from the then Fire and Police Minister. 

The launch in Holsworthy, which was attended by guests including the High Sheriff of Devon and pupils from Holsworthy Church of England Primary School, signals a new chapter in public safety and collaboration for Devon, setting the stage for future growth of this innovative and impactful role. 

Brave victims speak out to improve police focus  

Brave victims speak out to improve police focus  

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Compelling victim stories, including from a young woman who tragically witnessed her mum be brutally shot dead by her stepdad, have been shared with Devon & Cornwall Police, to help improve policy and working practices within the constabulary. 

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has welcomed the event and said how important it was that police listened to the experiences of victims. 

To coincide with the 10th anniversary of its Victim Care Unit (VCU) – a free, specialist support service available to any victim, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) – Devon & Cornwall Police has hosted its first dedicated Victim Focus Week which runs until Friday, May 2.  

A focus on violence against women and girls was highlighted during a Lived Experience Day where victims shared their experiences of domestic abuse, stalking and sexual offences. 

Georgia Gabriel-Hooper, who now lives in Devon, bravely recalled how six years ago, when she was just 14, her mum was murdered with a shotgun outside her home in Newport, Shropshire, in 2018. Her husband, Andrew Hooper, who she had left 48 days prior and had been stalking her, then turned the unlicensed shotgun on himself but survived and was later found guilty of murder and ordered to serve a minimum of 31 years in prison. 

Georgia now campaigns against domestic abuse and is hoping to become a police officer. During the Lived Experience Day, attended by police officers, partner agencies and victim survivors, she highlighted how domestic abuse is prevalent in all walks of life and reiterated a need to treat victims with respect and understanding. 

She said: “The impact officers had on my life has changed the course of my life. I would not have coped as well without them supporting me.” 

The experiences of Lisa Squire, the mother of 21-year rape and murder victim Libby, was also shared. Since her death following a night out in Hull in 2019, Lisa has tirelessly campaigned to keep other women and girls safe and highlight how Libby’s killer had a series of prior non-contact sexual offences. 

She is now backing Devon & Cornwall Police’s It Does Matter campaign which is encouraging women to report all non-contact sexual offences.  

Lisa said: “If one person can change their behaviour or one life can be saved then we are winning.” 

Impactful victim stories were also heard from a woman who was sexually abused as a child and bravely battled to bring her perpetrator to justice, and rape and sexual abuse victims who work for Devon & Cornwall Police. 

A different perspective on the impact crime can have on victims was provided by 47-year-old Scott McCann who is employed as a community programmes coach and mentor with Plymouth-based Argyle Community Trust – the official charity for Plymouth Argyle Football Club – which receives funding from Devon & Cornwall’s Police Crime Commissioner. 

Scott helps run a local youth inclusion programme for eight to 18-year-olds called Premier League Kicks which is aimed at cutting crime and anti-social behaviour in under deprived areas of Devon and Cornwall.  

In his youth, Scott, who lives in Plymouth, began getting in trouble with the police after mixing with the wrong crowd and dabbling with drugs. On his 21st birthday, he was sentenced to four months in prison for chequebook fraud.  

Around three years later he ended up back in prison after receiving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for injuring a man with a broken glass bottle following a late-night argument in a takeaway. During his stint in prison, Scott discovered a newfound passion for sport. 

He said: “While I was in prison I worked in the gym and also with disability groups who would visit. That’s when I realised what I wanted to do with my life was to help people because I enjoyed seeing the rewards.” 

Scott has now worked for Argyle Community Trust for seven years ago and has become a positive role model for young people. 

He was recently presented with an English Football League (EFL) community heroes award for going above and beyond to help improve lives and give young people life-altering experiences across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. 

He said: “By sharing my experiences with other people, I hope that I can show if I can do it anyone can. Even if just makes one person try and change it will have been worth it, and it will hopefully stop other people becoming victims.” 

The Lived Experience Day also included a presentation giving an overview of more than 40 services commissioned by the OPCC to support victims and reduce offending. 

Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Police Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “It is vital that the police listen to the experiences of victims to ensure every victim of crime receives the right support they not only deserve but are entitled to. 

“It is also crucial to ensure efforts are made to reduce offending to prevent people from being victims and stop behaviours escalating to the point of devastating outcomes.” 

During Victim Focus Week, a day was also dedicated to the VCU which provides free support to victims – regardless of whether a crime has been reported to the police or not. To make contact please click here or call 01392 475900. 

 

 

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