DEVON & Cornwall Police has been removed from an enhanced level of monitoring by the police inspectorate three years after being put in special measures, it can be announced.

There were several reasons behind His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’ decision.

The inspectorate cited improvements the force has made in emergency call handling, crime recording, and the management of sexual and violent offenders.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Andy Cooke said: ‘I am pleased with the good progress that Devon and Cornwall Police has made so far.

‘While there is still work to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.

‘We have noted improvement in how force performance is understood and overseen.

‘The force has continued to address the two remaining causes of concern through the work it has undertaken to address its crime recording standards and the quality of its investigations.

‘But it needs to demonstrate further improvements before we can close these causes of concern.

‘We will continue to assess its progress to make sure the people of Devon and Cornwall are getting the service they deserve’.

However, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said the force needs to demonstrate further improvements before the remaining two causes of concern on crime recording standards and the quality of investigations can be closed.