At this time of year we inevitably reflect on the last 12 months, as well as look forward to a new year of possibilities.

The last few weeks of 2024 were a whirlwind of work as I took the difficult, but entirely necessary, decision to suspend an Acting Chief Constable and recruit an interim to lead the force on its journey of improvement.

I and my team leaned on key partners at very short notice to set up an interview panel. We are fortunate to work with many people who have a relentless focus on delivering for the communities they serve, and I am confident we have the right man in place as a result.

The 11 months leading up to this also describe working with other agencies to deliver for residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. There have been numerous highlights and I will mention some here.

Wherever I go people tell me they want to see more officers, and I was pleased to work with the force and the private sector to deliver additional hotspot patrols in 13 areas across Devon and Cornwall. Between May and November these delivered 13,016 foot patrol hours; officers attended an additional 1,049 antisocial behaviour incidents and engaged with 58,134 members of the public thanks to this project. In 2025 I am keen to explore the possibility of expanding this project using a second homes cash windfall to boost visibility in a town or city near you.

Bearing down on road deaths and serious injuries remains another of our communities’ top priorities. This year we worked with 209 pubs, clubs and bars with our Lift Legend campaign to tackle Christmas drink drivers. And as part of the Vision Zero road safety partnership, I was delighted to see a reduction in motorcyclist casualties. Sadly too many Devon and Cornwall residents spent this Christmas without a loved one because of road traffic incidents and partners from air ambulance trusts to medics and local authorities remain determined to improve road safety further in the year ahead.

Another one of my priorities is to build on the excellent work done by five forces in the South West under the Operation Scorpion banner. In 2024 there were four operations leading to 396 arrests; the seizure of £346K and the safeguarding of 293 vulnerable people. Operation Scorpion will continue in 2025 – and until drugs stop ruining lives and contributing to other crime in our communities.

While I support being tough on criminals, I also believe in second chances, and 2024 gave us a unique chance to expand the award-winning Prisoners Building Homes project. This equips prison leavers with construction skills and provides much-needed housing. Starting live just four years ago with one home completed in Torquay, it is now on track to deliver 80 homes across the country. It has the potential to reduce reoffending and change lives for the better across the country and I expect the Government to help it realise this potential in the next few months.

In 2024, with the support of residents and local authorities, I invested in the reopening of Police Enquiry Offices in Honiton, Kingsbridge, Looe, Okehampton, Ilfracombe and Devonport. These were among the extra 18 front offices in total to be reopened by me which will see a total 27 open to the public by 2025. Four of these - in Exeter City centre, Ivybridge, Tavistock and Liskeard – are slated to open their doors in the spring.

It is only through partnership and leadership that we will create the force our residents want, one that is accessible, responsive and visible. I am confidence that we have the plans and people in place to deliver on that in 2025.