Report urges Devon and Cornwall Police to improve investigation and safeguarding
A report's praised the force's financial management and leadership but rated it as requiring improvement or inadequate in most areas
Devon and Cornwall Police has been advised to make significant improvements in how it investigates crime and safeguards vulnerable individuals, following an evaluation by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The inspectorate assessed the force across eight policing areas, finding it requires improvement in four and is inadequate in two.
Positive contributions were noted though - among them stable leadership from an experienced chief constable and enhancements in emergency call response times.
Despite these advancements, HMICFRS highlighted the need for the force to address ongoing issues in crime investigation and safeguarding vulnerable people.
It also said governance structures were needed to ensure effective identification and protection of at-risk persons are necessary, as are improvements in the handling of Domestic Abuse Risk Assessments.
His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, Kathryn Stone OBE, said:
"I am satisfied with some aspects of the performance of Devon and Cornwall Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing an effective service to victims. The force has made improvements since our last inspection, particularly in how it responds to calls for service from the public."
She added, "The force's ability to carry out prompt and effective criminal investigations on behalf of victims is still a cause of concern. It is disappointing that the force still hasn't made enough progress on a previous area for improvement about how it manages medium-risk domestic abuse cases. This is a concern the force needs to address quickly."
Stone urged the need for continued development: "Devon and Cornwall Police is making progress, particularly in its financial management, control room and prevention work. Continued focus on developing the workforce, improving investigation standards and safeguarding vulnerable people will be essential for sustained improvement. I expect to see more progress in the areas we have set out, and I will continue to monitor performance."
In response to the report, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez expressed confidence in Chief Constable James Vaughan and the measures being implemented to improve police services in Devon and Cornwall.
Commissioner Hernandez said: "I would like to thank His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services for their work, and their ongoing assistance in helping me hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public."
She went on to express concern over the findings, adding: "Members of the public deserve a better service and it is right that the force is working at pace to make the necessary improvements."
Hernandez highlighted her role in ensuring accountability, with regular meetings aimed at overseeing the implementation of improvements, and praised the force's efforts against antisocial behaviour, a prominent issue identified in public surveys.
Speaking on Chief Constable Vaughan's leadership, Hernandez remarked: "It is also reassuring to see the strong leadership of Chief Constable James Vaughan being recognised, both by inspectors, and by the workforce survey they carried out alongside their visit. I share that confidence in Mr Vaughan, and I am pleased he has agreed to stay in post for as long as I require the stability provided by his leadership."