Devon and Cornwall PCC 'shocked' as government scraps police commissioner role

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has reacted to the government’s plans to abolish PCC roles, saying she is “shocked” by the decision and is working out what it will mean for residents and staff in Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly.

In her statement, Ms Hernandez reassured the public that her office will continue its work over the next two and a half years, holding the police to account.

She highlighted achievements during her tenure, including a record number of police officers, 3,610, the reopening of multiple police stations, and what she described as the force’s strong financial stability.

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Ms Hernandez also questioned the projected £100 million savings announced by the Home Office.

She said much of her office’s work, including victim services, complaints appeals, and elements of the police misconduct process, must remain independent of policing and will continue to incur costs regardless of where oversight sits.

Speaking in the Commons today, Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire in the UK’s Labour government, confirmed that most of the projected savings would come from avoiding the cost of holding PCC elections every four years.

Torbay Weekly understands this suggests that much of the bureaucracy associated with the role is likely to remain.

Ms Hernandez confirmed her office will continue to oversee the recruitment of the next Chief Constable, and that her positive working relationship with current Chief Constable James Vaughan will continue until the end of his contract in January 2027.

PCCs were introduced in 2012 under the Conservative government to give the public a direct say in policing.

The government says the move to abolish PCCs is expected to save £100 million over the course of this parliament.

Oversight of local police forces will transfer to either elected mayors or council leaders following the end of commissioners’ terms in 2028.