Devon and Cornwall Police are set for a prolonged period of steady leadership after interim Chief Constable James Vaughan agreed to extend his tenure for an additional 16 months, following a contract extension announced by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez on August 9, 2025. The move comes after a turbulent period for the force, which saw the suspension of Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell in December 2024 and the subsequent appointment of Vaughan to the top job.
Commissioner Hernandez, speaking to BBC Cornwall, emphasized the importance of this decision for both the force and the communities it serves. She described the extension as providing a "much-needed period of stability" for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. "I have been really pleased to see how Chief Constable Vaughan has tackled head-on several legacy issues from the period of unstable leadership that preceded his appointment," Hernandez stated. She added, "It’s so important that Mr Vaughan and I take a unified approach in delivering my Police and Crime Plan priorities."
Vaughan, who has now led the force for eight months, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue in his role. In his remarks, he called it "a personal privilege to be asked by the Commissioner to stay on in my role." He continued, "I have really enjoyed leading this fantastic organisation and seeing the great work officers, staff and volunteers do every day to keep our communities safe. Despite some challenging times, we have made considerable progress over the last few years and that is testament to the hard work of everyone in the force."
The backdrop to Vaughan’s appointment was a period of uncertainty for Devon and Cornwall Police. Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell was suspended in December 2024, creating a leadership vacuum at a critical time. According to BBC News, Colwell has since returned to his substantive role as Deputy Chief Constable and has resumed his duties, helping to restore some continuity within the senior ranks. This transition has been viewed by many within the force as a positive step toward regaining organizational cohesion.
One of the most significant achievements during Vaughan’s interim leadership has been the force’s removal from special measures. This milestone, highlighted by both BBC Cornwall and ITV News, is seen as an indicator of improved performance and internal stability. For a police force, being placed in special measures typically signals serious concerns about effectiveness or governance, so moving out of that status is no small feat. Commissioner Hernandez praised Vaughan’s "experienced leadership" as instrumental in this turnaround.
"I look forward to the coming 16 months which I am confident will see more good work and continued improvement under Mr Vaughan’s experienced leadership," Hernandez said. Her confidence reflects a broader sense among local officials that the force is finally regaining its footing after a rocky period.
The decision to extend Vaughan’s contract until January 2027 also means that the process to recruit a permanent, or "substantive," Chief Constable will not begin until the summer of 2026. This timeline gives the force ample breathing room to focus on its operational priorities and to build on the progress made under Vaughan’s stewardship. For the communities of Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, this should translate into greater consistency in policing and public safety initiatives.
Vaughan’s leadership style has been described by those within the force as both hands-on and collaborative. He has made a point of acknowledging the efforts of officers, staff, and volunteers, stating, "I have really enjoyed leading this fantastic organisation for the last eight months and seeing the great work officers, staff and volunteers do every day to keep our communities safe." Such recognition is particularly meaningful in a profession where morale can be deeply affected by leadership changes and public scrutiny.
The return of Jim Colwell to his role as Deputy Chief Constable is another piece of the stability puzzle. His experience and familiarity with the force’s operations are expected to complement Vaughan’s leadership, creating a more unified command structure. While the reasons for Colwell’s suspension were not detailed in the public statements, his reinstatement suggests that any internal issues have been addressed to the satisfaction of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
For many residents, the past year has been marked by concern over the direction of their local police. The force’s removal from special measures has offered some reassurance, but public expectations remain high. Commissioner Hernandez’s Police and Crime Plan, which outlines priorities such as crime reduction, community engagement, and organizational transparency, will serve as the guiding framework for Vaughan’s extended tenure. Both Hernandez and Vaughan have pledged to work closely together to deliver on these goals.
Looking ahead, the next 16 months will be a critical period for Devon and Cornwall Police. With the recruitment of a substantive Chief Constable set for summer 2026, Vaughan has a clear mandate to maintain momentum and to address any lingering challenges from the previous era of instability. The force’s progress will be closely watched by both local residents and national policing bodies, who view Devon and Cornwall as a bellwether for effective police governance in the UK’s rural and coastal regions.
As for Vaughan himself, his commitment to the role is evident in his words and actions. "Despite some challenging times, we have made considerable progress over the last few years and that is testament to the hard work of everyone in the force," he said, underscoring the collective effort required to turn things around. His leadership will be judged not only by continued operational improvements but also by his ability to foster a culture of trust and accountability within the force.
Residents and stakeholders alike will be hoping that this period of stability translates into tangible improvements in public safety and community confidence. With Vaughan at the helm and Colwell back in a senior leadership position, Devon and Cornwall Police have a rare opportunity to consolidate gains and set a strong foundation for the future.
The coming months will reveal whether the force can build on its recent successes and deliver the "continued improvement" that both Commissioner Hernandez and Chief Constable Vaughan have promised. For now, the extension of Vaughan’s contract is being welcomed as a much-needed step toward restoring faith in the region’s policing—and providing the steady hand that many believe is essential for lasting change.
