New deputy chief constable has served Devon & Cornwall for over two decades

A new deputy chief constable for Devon & Cornwall Police was appointed earlier this month - and he is the first DCC in the force's history to have policed the same area in more than 20 years on the job.

Jim Colwell joined Devon & Cornwall Police in 2001, and was appointed to the rank of assistant chief constable in 2019 after working in various different senior roles.

The highest of the nine ranks for police forces in Great Britain is chief constable - deputy chief constable is second-highest, and assistant chief constable is third-highest.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: "I am pleased to announce Jim as deputy chief constable. His considerable career experience makes him an asset to the executive team.

"As a strategic and measured member of the executive, Jim has the key skills and qualities to be a highly successfully deputy chief constable and I look forward to working closely beside him."

Jim said: "I am proud to accept the position of deputy chief constable and I will endeavour to continue serving the communities of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in line with our policing vision and mission.

"Having been involved in the policing of the area for over 20 years, I am passionate about making a difference in this region which is very much home for myself and my family."

Jim lived in Cornwall for 18 years, and now lives in Devon with his wife and two children.