Devon and Cornwall Police have re-organised their top team of officers, according to reports.
Newly-confirmed chief constable Shaun Sawyer is said to have appointed current Plymouth commander Chief Supt Andy Bickley as his assistant chief constable (ACC).
He would replace Chris Borland, who was promoted to the role of acting ACC last year but is due to retire next month.
Filling the void left in Plymouth would be Supt Chris Singer, who is said to be about to take command of the city's officers on an acting basis.
The force yesterday refused to confirm that any official appointments had been made. A spokesman added that Chief Supt Bickley was on leave and "even if a letter had been sent" it would not yet have been accepted.
A spokesman said the roles would be filled in due course and any announcements made before May. However the BBC was yesterday reporting all the changes as fact.
Mr Sawyer was appointed as permanent chief of the two counties last month at the recommendation of new police and crime commissioner Tony Hogg.
Supt Singer, who is reportedly due to take over in Plymouth is said to be "an up and coming officer, with a safe pair of hands, who knows Plymouth well". Andy Bickley meanwhile brings a knowledge of almost 30 years of police work to the force's command team.
