Shaun Sawyer proposed as new Chief Constable

Shaun Sawyer will be the new Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall, subject to a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime panel in early February. He has filled the role on a temporary basis since the departure of Stephen Otter in March 2012.

There were five applicants, and interviews took place in Exeter yesterday. The selection and interview panel was led by Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg who was keen to stabilise the leadership of the Force as soon as possible.

Tony Hogg says:

“We were extremely pleased by the quality of all the candidates. It’s testament to the high regard in which the Devon and Cornwall force is held nationwide. A rigorous, transparent and very fair interview process culminated in a unanimous decision by the five strong panel. Shaun Sawyer impressed us tremendously with his clear vision for the future of policing in this area, and I’m very much looking forward to working closely with him.

“Shaun Sawyer and I have already built an excellent working relationship and i’m confident that will develop further in the future with our joint aim of cutting crime. Shaun has already made some good progress in this regard since taking temporary charge nearly a year ago.”

Shaun Sawyer began his police career in 1986, initially as a uniformed officer in central London. More recently he was the Metropolitan Police lead for covert operations and intelligence (2005-2007), lead for violent crime and geographic policing in South West London (2007-2008) and in 2008 was appointed as Head of Counter terrorism within Scotland Yard. He joined the Devon and Cornwall force as Deputy Chief Constable in April 2010.

He’s now relishing his new role: “I am delighted to have been selected at this stage to be the new Chief Constable, and look forward to continue working with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Hogg, to provide the best possible policing service across the peninsula. I would like to say how privileged I feel to have been given the opportunity to continue to lead such a dedicated and skilled workforce.

“This is an excellent force and I am proud to have served as both Deputy Chief Constable and temporary Chief Constable over the past few years.

“The force still faces many challenges over the next few years, but I am confident that through the ongoing hard work and dedication of my staff and officers we can continue to drive down crime, protect vulnerable people and provide an excellent policing service to people across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Shaun Sawyer will not officially take up the role until after appearing at a Police and Crime panel confirmation hearing in the near future.

Tony Hogg’s Police and Crime plan will be finalised before the end of March, and he will hold the Chief Constable to account for the successful delivery of it.