James Vaughan QPM appointed Chief Constable

James Vaughan QPM has been sworn in as the new Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, pledging to restore public trust and confidence in the force. The attestation ceremony took place last Friday at the Force’s headquarters in Exeter.

Chief Constable Vaughan brings over two decades of policing experience. He previously served as the Deputy Chief Constable in 2017, working across Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police as part of the strategic alliance between the two forces, before becoming the Chief Constable of Dorset Police. He retired from this post in 2021.

Since then, he has led a wide portfolio of public appointments and public service roles which have included chairing the Children’s Safeguarding Partnership Board, the Home Office Offensive Weapon Homicide Review Oversight Board, and a local secondary school governors' board. He has also contributed to evidence-based policing efforts through teaching roles with Cambridge University in India and coaching at an executive level.

A highly experienced leader with a distinguished career in policing, Chief Constable Vaughan takes the lead at a pivotal time. Whilst acknowledging the challenges facing the Force, he expressed pride in leading a team of dedicated officers and staff who share a strong commitment to community policing across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

“I am incredibly proud to lead this organisation, where officers and staff work hard to keep our communities safe in one of the lowest crime rate areas in the country,” Vaughan said. “My priority is to build on this foundation and restore public trust in the police force.”

Vaughan identified improving crime data integrity and investigation standards as immediate areas of focus, with concerns raised by HMICFRS (His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services). He vowed to work closely with officers and staff to address these challenges, rebuild trust, and ensure transparency and accountability.

“As we work alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, I believe our shared purpose of community policing, delivered with competence, compassion, and common sense, remains the right one,” he added.

Since his appointment, Vaughan has visited several police stations and departments across Devon and Cornwall, meeting with officers and staff. “I have been struck by the passion and professionalism within our workforce,” he said. “The team are working hard to keep communities safe.”

Vaughan also plans to visit communities across the region to listen to feedback, acknowledge successes, and identify areas for improvement.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez expressed her support for the new Chief Constable, “My team and I are working tirelessly to resolve the leadership challenges at Devon and Cornwall Police and I am delighted to have such a competent and experienced officer leading the force."

“He and I can now focus on our mission to tackle antisocial behaviour, bring more criminals to justice and reconnect policing to the communities we serve through increased visibility and the completion of my programme to reopen 18 police enquiry offices in rural, urban and coastal communities across Devon and Cornwall.”