Dorset Police has a new boss at the helm this week.

James Vaughan has started his new role as Chief Constable of the force following the retirement of Debbie Simpson, whose career spanned more than 35 years.

Mr Vaughan, who had previously served as the deputy chief constable since 2013 said that it was an honour to work with the committed men and women of the force.

He said: “As we continue to navigate through a complex and changing policing landscape, I will relish the opportunity to lead them and work hard to ensure we can deliver the best possible policing for the people of Dorset.

“This will include continuing to strengthen our alliance with Devon & Cornwall Police and exploring a potential merger of the two forces.”

Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, who is responsible for appointing the Chief Constable said: “DCC Vaughan is an outstanding officer at local, regional and national levels.

“He has served as DCC in this Force and worked across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset as Chief Operating Officer for the last year. I look forward to welcoming him to the role.”

However, at a recent Dorset Police and Crime Panel meeting, Mr Underhill stressed that Mr Vaughan’s appointment might not be long-term because of ongoing merger talks with Devon and Cornwall Police stressing that there had to be an emphasis on the need to retain flexibility.

During the meeting, councillors welcomed the appointment citing Mr Vaughan’s outstanding service and credentials for the role. Mr Vaughan began his career in Wiltshire, where he started in 1992 working in various uniform and detective roles.

By 2007, Vaughan was Detective Superintendent for the force leading Wiltshire’s response to major, serious and organised crime. After completing the Strategic Command Course he left Wiltshire Police and joined Dorset Police as Assistant Chief Constable in May 2012 before being promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in 2013.