Shaun Sawyer, the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, also claimed £26,850 in expenses, according to figures from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Mr Sawyer took 47 of his entitlement of 48 days annual leave, the Western Morning News has discovered. …

… Alison Hernandez, the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “It is important to have the right people in the right jobs and, to do that, it is important to attract the best candidates.

“In extending Shaun Sawyer’s contract earlier this year my predecessor, Tony Hogg, responded to national concerns that the number of applicants for top positions in the service is declining and felt it beneficial to anchor Mr Sawyer in his role with what is the second largest geographical police force in England and Wales.

“This followed a period of unprecedented change in the way policing is delivered and during which Mr Sawyer proved he is a great asset to Devon and Cornwall Police.

“The people of Devon and Cornwall have seen a significant drop in recorded crime, and he continues to work with myself and my office to look at new ways to keep people safe while getting the best out of the police.”

Mr Sawyer was appointed in February 2013, and that year was paid £157,490. His salary rose to £165,556 in 2015.

Mr Sawyer claimed a subsistence and expenses allowance over the four years of: £8,921, £8,897, £0, and £26,850.

The police spokesman said: “There is no subsistence and expenses allowance for the Chief Constable from 2014 onwards due to changes made in 2014 nationally.

“The figure for the previous years relates to an allowance that chief police officers used to receive as part of their salary – again nationally. They stopped being paid this in 2014 hence the zero in that year.”

He did not explain how Mr Sawyer came to claim £26,850 in 2015/16.

Mr Sawyer’s benefits in kind claim has also varied: £18,323, £8,666, £11,147 and £15,383.

Pension contributions from the taxpayer were: £36,818, £36,807, £37,175, and £34,405.

Although Mr Sawyer is entitled to 48 days holiday, he has never taken the full amount. In 2013/14 he took 35 days; 2014/15 – 26.5; 2015/16 – 47.”