James Vaughan Appointed Interim Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall Police

Devon and Cornwall Police has named a new interim chief constable. Police Commissioner Alison Hernandez announced James Vaughan as the new interim chief, effective immediately. Mr. Vaughan previously served as a senior officer within the Devon and Cornwall force and held the position of chief constable for Dorset Police until his retirement in 2021. The new chief was officially sworn in at a ceremony at the force’s headquarters in Exeter at approximately 16:45 GMT on Friday. This appointment follows the suspension of the previous interim chief constable, Jim Colwell, in November, and the suspension of the substantive chief constable, Will Kerr, in July of last year. Mr. Vaughan stated he was “hugely, hugely honoured” to take on the job, adding that he would “take Devon and Cornwall to new heights.” He said: “I have much to offer. I have been a chief constable in the neighbouring force in Dorset and I was there for three years.” Mr. Vaughan indicated he had three “clear priorities” to address. He said: “The first is we must, and rapidly, improve performance.” “The second priority is the restoration of public confidence.” “The third priority I have as I go into this role is around professionalism and standards.” Ms. Hernandez expressed that she was “excited” to collaborate with Mr. Vaughan.