Devon and Cornwall PCC scrutinises custody services and policing strategy

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Alison Hernandez has reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and accountability in local policing through the latest meeting of her monthly Commissioner’s Accountability Board. The board aims to hold Devon and Cornwall Police to account on behalf of the public, with a particular focus this month on custody provision and compliance with national policing priorities.

The board is part of a broader initiative launched by Commissioner Hernandez to ensure that Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly receive the effective, accountable policing services they deserve. After each meeting, the PCC issues a “judgement of assurance” indicating whether further improvement plans are needed in the areas reviewed.

One of the key performance areas reviewed at the latest meeting was the Strategic Policing Requirement (SPR) — a framework issued by the Home Secretary identifying the most significant threats to public safety nationwide. These include violence against women and girls (VAWG), terrorism, public disorder, serious and organised crime, child sexual abuse, cyber incidents, and civil emergencies.

Commissioner Hernandez issued a “part-assured” judgement on the constabulary’s performance and plans to address these threats, stating: “Insufficient detail was provided in two of the areas to enable a complete, informed judgment to be made.”

As a result, Devon and Cornwall Police will be required to present further evidence to demonstrate how each component of the SPR is being delivered.

The second area scrutinised was the management of custody risks. While the operational safety of the force’s custody centres was acknowledged, concerns remain about the availability and accessibility of services for detainees.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “Although assurance was provided regarding the operational management of the force’s custody centres, further detail is required concerning the access to, and availability of services to detainees while in custody.”

She again issued a “part-assured” judgement and confirmed that more in-depth scrutiny is planned.

Chief Constable James Vaughan addressed the issues raised, particularly the challenges posed by the current custody estate, parts of which are in need of refurbishment: “The force provides safe and legal detention for people arrested across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. This will remain our primary concern, however, providing safe and legal custody provision across the current estate, some of which requires refurbishment, provides an ongoing resilience and efficiency challenge. The current estate provision therefore requires strategic review.

“The force and the Commissioner have now agreed a set of Terms of Reference for this review, which is hoped to provide recommendations on our long-term provision.”

Chief Constable Vaughan also provided the board with updates on budget performance, recent serious crimes including homicides, and both challenges and successes in the force's operational landscape.

Commissioner Hernandez launched the Accountability Board as part of her pledge to enhance transparency in policing and the criminal justice system. Following each meeting, her statements of assurance are shared with the public and stakeholders to ensure open oversight of police performance.