PCC backs Devon and Cornwall chief constable despite scrutiny concerns
Alison Hernandez says she still has confidence in James Vaughan after the force was placed under enhanced scrutiny
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall has said she has full confidence in the force's Chief Constable, despite concerns raised by inspectors over leadership and safeguarding.
Alison Hernandez made the comments after His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) reclassified the performance of Devon & Cornwall Police.
She said Chief Constable James Vaughan has "the skills, experience and values to make the required change".
Commissioner Hernandez said:
"These issues, while clearly concerning, come as no surprise and in fact reflect those I have been raising through my ongoing scrutiny for some time.
"As recently as July, a scrutiny report by my office made recommendations which included improving the force's understanding of how quickly it is responding to reports involving vulnerable people at risk.
"The Inspectorate's announcement raises further serious questions about the ability of the force's strategic leadership to address these concerns.
"Therefore, the escalation to Level Three is a positive intervention that will give Chief Constable James Vaughan the support and resources he will need to lead further improvements to the service being provided to the public.
"I continue to have confidence that Mr Vaughan has the skills, experience and values to make the required change.
"I welcome the Chief Constable's offer to support him with additional, enhanced scrutiny which goes above and beyond my legal powers.
"In my 10 years as a Police and Crime Commissioner, it has been a constant source of frustration that me and my fellow representatives do not automatically have the right to be as intrusive as I believe is necessary."
What the inspectorate found
The Inspectorate issued an accelerated cause for concern report alongside the reclassification.
It raised concerns about a lack of effective strategic leadership within the force, according to the Commissioner.
The report also flagged issues relating to investigation quality and the safeguarding of victims.
The force has been escalated to Level Three as a result.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.