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Devon and Cornwall Chief to retire after nine years in post

CC Shaun Sawyer has announced his retirement as he plans to leave the force later this summer.
Published - 29/04/2022 By - Cachella Smith

CC Sawyer began his police service in 1986 with the Met. While there he headed up the investigation into the 1999 Ladbroke Grove rail disaster and was head of counter-terrorism. 

He moved to Devon and Cornwall in 2010 as deputy chief constable before being made temporary chief constable in 2012.

In 2013 he became the force’s chief constable and is the NPCC lead for Modern Slavery. 

He had initially planned to leave the force after the G7 summit but remained in post to support the initial stages and response to the shooting in Keyham on August 12 last year. 

Chief Constable Sawyer said: “It has been an honour to be a member of the Devon & Cornwall police family and a privilege to be chief constable.  The police family works within the context of a constantly developing and fast-moving society and it is vital that as a service we are able to learn, evolve and improve to keep pace with the communities we serve. In Devon & Cornwall I have seen my officers, staff and volunteers rising to that challenge every single day.

“The purpose of policing, in its most simple form, is to be a member of the public sworn or appointed as an officer, member of staff or volunteer, to serve and safeguard other members; even laying down their lives for others. In return they ask for support rather than judgement, acknowledging that as human beings sometimes they strive and fall short. The public allow the police many powers on their behalf and the use of them must be proportionate and fair; their misuse and abuse damages the trust of the public in policing and the force must always be on its guard to protect and raise standards.

“As chief constable I still have a great deal to do between now and my departure, not least supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner in the delivery of her plan whilst she searches for a new chief constable to take the force forward.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “I would like to thank the Chief Constable for his years of exceptional service, for his support in delivering the strategic aims of my police and crime plan and for his unrelenting focus on delivering a world class police force.

“Devon & Cornwall Police is responsible for policing the largest force area in England, our communities might enjoy low crime rates but they face many unique problems. The chief constable has understood those challenges and led a number of changes to create a police force that is in good shape to rise to them.” 

In January of this year, the force appointed two new ACCs; Chief Superintendent Nikki Leaper and Chief Superintendent Glen Mayhew. 

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