Former Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable received pay out of over £165,000
The Police and Crime Commissioner has shared details today (September 12) of former suspended Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Will Kerr's settlement
Last updated 12th Sep 2025
Former Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable Will Kerr, who retired while under investigation by the police watchdog has received a financial settlement of more than £165,000.
Mr Kerr retired after being suspended in July 2023 by the Police and Crime Commissioner following a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over gross misconduct.
The financial settlement awarded to Mr Kerr has been confirmed Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez today (September 12) and is the equivalent of nine months of his annual salary.
Ms Hernandez said had Mr Kerr not retired, he would have continued to receive his usual monthly wage because an investigation into gross misconduct by IOPC remains ongoing with no certainty when it will conclude.
Mr Kerr, who has been under investigation for the past two years but has not been arrested or charged with any offence, announced his decision to retire in July, stating it was in the “best interests” of his family and the force.
Commissioner Hernandez has since announced that Interim Chief Constable James Vaughan has agreed to remain in post until January 2027.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Mr Kerr was suspended on full pay from July 2023 as per the requirements of police regulations while investigations into his conduct continued.
“With no certainty on the length of the IOPC investigation the reality we were facing was significant additional costs to taxpayers and continued leadership instability.
“By reaching a financial settlement, that uncertainty has now been resolved and efforts can now be fully focused on delivering a stable and effective police force.”
The Commissioner said she remained “incredibly frustrated” by the length of time the ongoing investigation was taking.