'Look after the workforce' - James Vaughan's parting advice to Dorset's new Chief Constable
Scott Chilton has now been officially appointed as the new Chief Constable of Dorset Police
Dorset’s Police and Crime Panel has approved the selection of Scott Chilton as the next Chief Constable of Dorset Police.
Mr Chilton, who has been serving as the Force’s Deputy Chief Constable for the last year, was confirmed in post by the panel yesterday. (Thursday August 12)
He will take over the role from James Vaughan, who announced his decision to retire from the Force earlier this year.
He said:
"It's been a great privilege to serve as a chief officer in Dorset and to finish as the chief constable is a real honour.
"When I came here in 2012 the force was a good police force, it still is a very good police force. Don't take my word for it, those that inspect us and audit us say across the board Dorset Police is graded as good and is a strong, high performing police force."
Early career
Chief Constable Vaughan began his policing career as a beat constable in his home town of Chippenham, Wiltshire, in 1991. He has worked across Wiltshire Police, Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police.
His career has included various uniform and detective roles with major and serious organised crime, citizen focused policing and as a crime commander.
Chief Constable James Vaughan leaves policing after the COVID-19 pandemic of the last 17 months, throughout which time he has led on the Dorset partnership response to the pandemic.
Chief Constable Vaughan added:
“We have all faced enormous professional and personal challenges throughout the pandemic, but I never fail to be impressed and incredibly proud of how Dorset Police’s officers and staff step up and do the right thing to protect the communities of Dorset.
“I will cherish many high points and reflect on numerous lows in my career. An undoubted high point of my career was receiving the Queen’s Police Medal from HRH The Prince of Wales in 2019.
“Lows would be the loss of colleagues and friends working within the Force.
“The last year has proved to me that Dorset’s communities are strong, caring and compassionate and I am proud to call it my home.”
Future focus for Dorset Police
The Chief Constable told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset some of the most concerning problems facing Dorset are hidden harms like domestic abuse and child protection issues. Although, he remarks he's personally troubled by a rise in violence among teenagers in the county, citing issues like county lines drug dealing.
It's anticipated new funding will provide up to 170 new police officers for Dorset Police by the end of next year, helping to deliver plans like the ones to clamp down on Anti-Social Behaviour.
Chief Constable Vaughan had this advice for his replacement:
"It's a marathon not a sprint. Policing is tough and he'll have to be resilient and I would ask him to continue to look after the workforce, the men and women that deliver this business.
"I've gone out of my way in over the last three years to try to improve the working environment, to try and improve their well-being because you cannot provide outstanding services to the public unless your workforce are in a great place."
Chief Constable Vaughan will continue to lead the National Forensics Capability Network until later this autumn, before taking a well-earned retirement.
He said:
“I am looking forward greatly to spending more time with my family and taking the opportunity to indulge in my hobbies and interests.
“I have a twin son and daughter taking their GCSEs in the coming year and have a passion for sailing – so I’ve no doubt home life will be a focus for the immediate future.