POLICE in Devon and Cornwall have been graded ‘good’ by constabulary inspectors for keeping people safe and reducing crime.

Deputy Chief Constable James Vaughan said: ‘I am extremely proud of our workforce who operate every day in often difficult and challenging environments, in a lawful and ethical manner. We are heavily invested in ensuring our officers and staff operate ethically to provide the best possible service.’

‘The report highlights that good levels of understanding of ethical issues helped officers when deciding whether and how to use force. Regular training and guidance is provided in the use of force and stop and search.

‘The report also highlights that police leaders in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have set high standards and strive to create an ethical culture. It illustrated that we treat our communities with fairness and respect.’

He added: ‘Treating people with fairness and respect is important to us and this is reflected well in our mission statement.

‘Our officers and staff understand the importance of fair and respectful treatment and the concept is well-established across our organisation. We continue to make improvements in the areas identified within the report, which noted improvement was needed in updating complainants on their complaints.

‘We are fully committed to ensuring that any complaints received are investigated in a fair and proportionate way in line with the requirements of the IPCC Statutory Guidance.’