Interim chief constable 'should be confirmed this week'
The Police and Crime Commissioner has given an update now the chief constable and acting chief constable are both suspended, pending investigations, in separate cases
Last updated 10th Dec 2024
An announcement will be made at the end of the week over the appointment of an interim Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall Police.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez says 'a recruitment process was continuing at pace' and she was 'looking forward to returning stability to policing in Devon and Cornwall'.
She added: "Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, remains suspended while an investigation continues into allegations of gross misconduct following a mandatory referral by the Commissioner to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
“Following a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, I can confirm that no representations have been received from Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell and he remains suspended while investigations continue into allegations of gross misconduct.
“I am now progressing at pace with the recruitment of an interim Chief Constable using a panel interview process, supported by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Police and Fire & Rescue Services and the College of Policing. I have invited the chair and vice chair of the Police and Crime Panel to join me in this process as a confirmation hearing by the panel is not required.
“I remain mindful of concerns among members of the force and our communities over the current leadership gap and am committed to resolving this as swiftly as possible and restoring stability to policing in Devon and Cornwall. As such I anticipate being in a position to make an announcement on my appointment late on Friday.”