DEVON and Cornwall Police’s Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer has had his period in charge extended to 2021.

Police Commissioner Tony Hogg, announcing the decision today, said: ‘I am delighted that Shaun wants to stay and lead the continued transformation of policing in Devon and Cornwall.’

He added: ‘His contract was passing a mutual break point and I felt it was in the public’s and the force’s interest for him to be anchored in this role, rather than looking at the many other opportunities around the word of policing.’

Mr Sawyer took over the hot seat in 2013. In his time as permanent Chief Constable recorded crime has dropped by nearly 11 per cent.

The top cop said he was ‘delighted’ to be given the opportunity by Mr Hogg to continue his role.