Acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police is suspended

by · Mail Online

The acting chief constable of scandal-hit Devon and Cornwall Police has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of breaching professional standards.

Local police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez said she had suspended Jim Colwell following allegations of breaches of professional standards.

She has also made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has confirmed it will investigate the allegations.

Ms Hernandez said she will announce interim leadership arrangements in due course.

Mr Colwell was leading the force in place of chief constable Will Kerr who was suspended in July last year following 'serious allegations of sexual offences'. 

Local police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez said she had suspended Jim Colwell following allegations of breaches of professional standards
Ms Hernandez said she will announce interim leadership arrangements in due course

'Sadly it has been my duty to suspend acting chief constable Jim Colwell and refer this matter to the IOPC,' Ms Hernandez said of Mr Colwell's suspension. 

Read More

Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Will Kerr is suspended amid criminal probe into 'serious allegations of sexual offences'

'Suspension is a neutral act to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place.

'It has no bearing on any indication that the allegations will be upheld and should not be seen as such.

'Acting chief constable Colwell has seven days to make representations to me relating to his suspension.

'As required for any suspension of a senior officer, I have this morning informed the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel of my decision and fully understand that there may be concerns within the force, in our communities and with our partners in relation to this suspension.

'I share those concerns and resolving leadership issues in the force remains my most pressing priority.'

The headquarters of Devon and Cornwall Police. It was previously led by chief constable Will Kerr, who was suspended in July last year

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are investigating Mr Kerr.

The PONI said its criminal investigation followed 'serious allegations of sexual offences' against Mr Kerr, formerly the assistant chief constable at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Mr Kerr had said he 'strenuously denies any allegations of criminality'.