How does policing governance really work behind the scenes – and what happens when big ideas like force mergers or prisoner-built homes hit real-world challenges?
Policing TV continues its conversation with Fran Hughes, Chief Executive of the Devon & Cornwall Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and recent Director of the Year. Fran shares how she moved from local government into policing, why PCC governance can be quicker than council structures, and unpacks two major pieces of work: the Prisoners Building Homes scheme, which trains and pays prisoners to build modular homes and reduce reoffending, and the proposed Devon & Cornwall–Dorset force merger, explaining why it was explored – and why it ultimately didn’t go ahead.
Takeaways
- Fran’s route into policing began in environmental health and local government.
- Governance under a PCC can be faster and more streamlined than in councils.
- Prisoners Building Homes trains prisoners in modular construction with NVQ qualifications.
- The scheme boosts skills, income and employment prospects, cutting reoffending rates.
- A Torbay pilot proved the model, winning a civil service award, and helped it grow across prisons and regions.
- The proposed Devon & Cornwall–Dorset merger faced geography, culture and finance hurdles.
- Public views and council tax issues were key factors in the decision not to merge.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fran Hughes and Her Journey
04:11 Innovative Prisoner Building Program
06:18 Impact on Prisoners and Community
08:18 Merger Discussions Between Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset
11:04 Conclusion and Future of Police Reform
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