New interim Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall Police
James Vaughan QPM is former Chief Constable of Dorset Police
Last updated 13th Dec 2024
Devon and Cornwall Police has named James Vaughan QPM as its new Acting Chief Constable.
It follows the suspension of previous Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell last month, and substantive Chief Contsable Will Kerr last year, pending separate investigations by Independent Office for Police Conduct.
CC Vaughan retired from the top job at Dorset Police in 2021 after nine years with the force.
He was appointed as Chief Constable in 2018. While in the role he was the National Police Chiefs Council lead for forensic science and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2018.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez welcomed CC Vaughan to the force, saying: “I am delighted to be working with an experienced Chief Constable who will lead the force to drive improvements during this challenging period.
“Mr Vaughan has held numerous senior posts in policing and has a track record of performance improvement.
“This appointment will therefore be welcome news and we can now forge ahead with ensuring our communities remain safe, resilient, and connected.”
James Vaughan says, “I am honoured to have been appointed as interim Chief Constable.
"This is not a role I take lightly, and I would like to reassure the residents of our two counties that I am committed to leading Devon & Cornwall Police in delivering a police force we can all be proud of.”
He's planning to visit key areas of the organisation over the weekend.