Devon and Cornwall Police welcomes new Assistant Chief Constable

Devon and Cornwall Police welcomes a new Assistance Chief Constable today, Monday 6 March.

Assistance Chief Constable Dave Thorne is no stranger to the Force, after joining Devon & Cornwall Police in 1999 where he spent the next 21 years before being appointed as Assistant Chief Constable in South Wales Police in June 2020.

Dave’s early career path predominantly lay in Public Protection and Major Crime detective positions before being was accredited to run homicide investigations. Latterly, he took up uniformed command roles, including Plymouth Commander, where he worked on tackling the challenges of policing a large urban area. He is an experienced Strategic Firearms Commander and is also an accredited Counter Terrorism Commander.

After developing a wide operational experience in a variety of uniform and detective roles, he spent time as a Temporary Assistant Chief Constable with Devon and Cornwall Police before joining South Wales Police.

Dave will be responsible for Crime, Justice, and Vulnerability, and is passionate about tackling and reducing crime and working with partners and the public to deliver better outcomes for victims and communities.

Dave, a father of five, initially qualified as a teacher in 1993, teaching physics and outdoor education, both in the UK and abroad. He has also worked as a mountain leader and kayak instructor and is a keen mountain biker.

Speaking about his appointment ACC Dave Thorne said: “I am excited to be re-joining Devon and Cornwall Police after almost three years in South Wales Police. I am looking forward to working in a place where I have strong personal roots, having lived, and worked in Devon and Cornwall for 21 years previously.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed, and learnt a lot, from my time in South Wales, but I feel extremely privileged to be able to come back and work for my home force as Assistant Chief Constable for Crime, Justice, and Vulnerability.

“I look forward to working with the many friends and colleagues that I already know, and I look forward to working with the many new members of the Devon and Cornwall Police family.

“While the Force faces much change, and has many challenges to tackle, there are also opportunities to maximise on and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting on with the task at hand.

“I am privileged to have the chance to lead, support and learn from my new (and old) colleagues in keeping the communities of Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly safe.”

Chief Constable Will Kerr said: “I am delighted to be welcoming ACC Dave Thorne to the team. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and will be a significant asset to the Force as we continue to ensure Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly remain one of the safest places to live and visit in the country.

“I am very much looking forward to working with him as we continue to build on, and improve, the service we provide our communities.”