Police and Crime Commissioner’s first day in office. Police authority ceased to exist last night (Wednesday).

On his first day in office, Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Hogg, has revealed that finding a permanent chief constable is his immediate priority.

He believes the appointment is necessary to help drive forward the decisions that will form the area’s first Police and Crime Plan.

The post will be advertised in the next few days, with the aim of making a permanent appointment early next year.

Mr Hogg said: “The chief constable will be pivotal in ensuring that the strategic vision to tackle crime in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is carried out day-to-day. I believe that my role as commissioner and that of the chief constable has to be to provide strong leadership and work as a team. That relationship is key to serving people in this area and we will only achieve our aims by working closely together.

“I have met with temporary Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer and we have agreed that it is in everyone’s interests that a permanent appointment is made at the earliest possible opportunity. Whoever takes up the role will be working with me to ensure that local people feel connected with the priorities of their Police Force.”

The Devon and Cornwall Police Authority, which is being replaced by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, ceased to exist in its current form at midnight last night (Wednesday).

Mr Hogg will be meeting with staff, partner authorities, stakeholders and members of the public over the coming months as he looks to publish the Police and Crime Plan by March 2013.

“Today is my first day of office, and not everything can be decided overnight. There are many challenges ahead, and in order to meet them we need solid foundations to be in place, such as the appointment of a Chief Constable,” added Mr Hogg.

“We have a strong Police Force, with dedicated staff, and I’m confident we can address the challenges we’re facing by working together. Local communities will have a vital part to play too. I am here to listen and you can rest assured I will be fighting for our area to ensure we get a fair deal in terms of funding for our Police.”