Armed Forces Covenant:
Message from Chief Constable James Vaughan
As Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, my colleagues and I across the Force are proud to honour and support the Armed Forces Community.
Through the Armed Forces Covenant we are committed to supporting our employees, who have served or continue to serve in the armed forces, as well as members of the armed forces community who may be considering a career in policing.
We actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community and are committed to supporting the employment of veterans who meet our job criteria.
Through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), military careers fairs, and other initiatives, we provide pathways for service leavers, reservists, and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces, to explore rewarding careers with us.
The military skills, qualifications, and competencies personnel bring from the armed forces are recognised throughout our entire recruitment and selection process.
We also support colleagues who serve as members of the Reserve Forces by accommodating their training and deployment commitments. In addition, we are proud to support our local cadet units and take part in Armed Forces Day celebrations each year.
Their values of dedication and resilience along with their experience align closely with ours, and we’re committed to creating meaningful opportunities for them across our organisation/Force.
Military to Policing – why choose Devon and Cornwall Police?
At Devon and Cornwall Police we’re proud to welcome those with military experience into our policing family. Transitioning from the armed forces to policing offers a natural next step – one where your existing skills, discipline, and sense of duty can continue to make a real difference.
We recognise that many of the qualities gained through military service, such as teamwork, leaderships, quick decision making, and dedication to public service, are exactly what we look for in our officers and staff. That’s why we appreciate and value your military background as part of our recruitment process.
Joining Devon and Cornwall Police means continuing to live by the values you’ve always stood for: integrity, respect and commitment to service.
Here, you’ll find the opportunity to keep serving your community, protect others, and contribute to making our towns and cities safer for everyone. It’s more than just a job/career – it’s a continuation of your purpose.
The benefits of working as a police officer for Devon and Cornwall Police
Joining Devon and Cornwall Police offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities across diverse policing roles – from frontline response and neighbourhood policing to specialist departments.
You do not need to have the listed entry requirement qualifications if you hold at least 18 months service in the military – we recognise the experience, values and transferable skills you can bring to policing.
You’ll benefit from a competitive salary and annual increments of up to £50,256 within seven years, alongside an excellent pension and wellbeing support.
Our officers and staff enjoy access to a variety of lifestyle and fitness benefits. Including heavily subsidised gym memberships, sports and social clubs. We also offer a cycle to work scheme, childcare vouchers and the opportunity to join a wide range of staff support networks, alongside access to our Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and Wellbeing services.
We’re committed to supporting you from day one. With a structured and flexible training plan and regular check-ins to help you settle into your new role.
Beyond the job itself, you’ll enjoy the exceptional quality of life that comes with living in Devon and Cornwall – from beautiful coastlines and country side to vibrant communities and an enviable work-life balance.
Meet Our Officers
Miranda Pusey – Chief Inspector Local Policing
During my time in the Royal Signals as a telegraphist, I served in numerous locations including war-torn Bosnia and Northern Ireland, where I had to make risk-based decisions in complex and often volatile environments.
Those experiences taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of staying calm under pressure, while never losing sight of the people who relied on me.
The skills I developed in the Armed Forces have stayed with me throughout my policing career, where I now lead a large team delivering exceptional neighbourhood policing. I see my role as not only making the right decisions but also being a role model for others, showing professionalism, accountability, and compassion in every situation.
The lessons I learned in service continue to shape the way I lead, support my team, and build trust with the communities we serve.
Darren Roach – Detective Chief Inspector
I joined Devon and Cornwall Police in 2017 after 11 years as an officer in the Royal Navy.
During my naval career I spent time onboard a variety of warships as an Officer of the Watch, deploying to the Far East, Africa, America and several times to the Middle East. I then specialised as an Intelligence Officer. In 2012 I led on maritime security and intelligence planning for the London Olympics, working closely with law enforcement and security services.
Deployment with the UK Response Force Task Group saw me lead large teams of intelligence sections across the globe, requiring defence engagement, early intervention and amphibious strike operations.
I had an ambition to join the police since a young age and feel that my career with the Royal Navy gave me opportunities, experiences and life skills that have been seamlessly transferable to policing.
Devon and Cornwall Police recognised the experience and skills that I brought from the military and supported me to progress through leadership roles at a fast pace. The standards, attention to detail, world class leadership training and general ‘can do’ attitude instilled in the military have set me up well for a police career; I would advocate any military leaver to come and spend some time exploring opportunities within policing.
Entry Route Options/Information
You do not need to have the listed entry requirement qualifications if you hold at least 18 months service in the military – we recognise the experience, values and transferable skills you can bring to policing.
Positive Action
We aim to build our workforce to reflect the rich diversity and complexities of our communities by attracting the best talent from the widest pool of people.
We are currently under-represented by, people who are Black, Asian or of ethnic heritage, and people who are disabled or neurodiverse.
If you fall within one of these under-represented groups, our Positive Action Team can provide support ahead of a recruitment process. You can find out more below:
