Chief constable to cut number of senior ranks in favour of more ‘worker bees’
The chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police plans to cut the number of senior ranks in his “top heavy” force to put more officers out in their community.
Addressing the annual budget meeting of the Devon and Cornwall police and crime panel, Chief Constable James Vaughan said he wants to redirect money from senior posts in favour of more “worker bees”.
He said no officers would be demoted, but instead he had put a freeze on promotions in the coming year.
Police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez said the public do not want police officers sitting behind desks or working on pet projects which have no real impact.
“That’s why I was delighted when Chief Constable James Vaughan announced plans to cut the number of senior ranks in the force to boost the number of constables out in their community.”
Ms Hernandez said Mr Vaughan outlined his proposals at the budget meeting to “redirect millions of pounds from senior ranks to enable more ‘worker bees’ to serve communities as police constables”
“He will do this by reducing the number of officers at ranks including assistant chief constables, chief superintendents and chief inspectors,” Ms Hernandez said. “This is because, in his view, the organisation is top heavy, and local visible and accountable policing is in his ethos, and our new Police and Crime Plan.
“Interestingly, his view is shared by the Chief Superintendents’ Association. Of course, having effective leaders in a force of 3,610 officers is vital, but getting the ratio right is [also] absolutely vital.”
She added: My focus has been on restoring neighbourhood policing and connecting residents of the force area with the police who serve them.
“I’ve raised money to invest in frontline policing so there are more sworn officers in the force area than at any time in its history and reopened 13 police station front desks, with five more of these planned.
“Together with a windfall from second homes council tax, additional contribution from our communities through our police precept and central government investment in neighbourhood policing, we are on the way to creating a more visible and responsive force and rolling out the Street Focus project to tackle anti-social behaviour and drug dealing to more towns and city centres.”
Ms Hernandez said neighbourhood policing offers “a range of benefits”, including enhanced community safety.
“Neighbourhood officers work closely with residents and businesses to identify and address local concerns, preventing crime before it occurs,” she said.
“Evidence suggests it also improves crime detection by building strong community relationships to facilitate the flow of information, leading to better intelligence and more effective crime investigations.
“When done well and with a clear strategy it increases feelings of safety with visible and accessible policing builds trust and confidence, reducing the fear of crime and improving the overall sense of security.
“Officers gain a deeper understanding of local issues and priorities, enabling them to tailor their approach to the specific needs of the area.”
Ms Hernandez added: “Overall, neighbourhood policing in Devon and Cornwall plays a vital role in creating safer, stronger, and more resilient communities. By fostering collaboration, understanding, and proactive problem-solving, it helps to address local concerns, prevent crime, and improve the quality of life for all residents.
“This is the vision that, with the support of my police and crime panel who supported my budget proposals, I and the chief constable will now deliver on.