Suspended Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable will not face prosecution over sexual offence allegations

Devon & Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has welcomed the news that the criminal investigation into suspended Chief Constable Will Kerr has been dropped, describing it as a "significant relief."

Mr Kerr was suspended in July 2023 following a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The referral came after allegations of criminal offences relating to his time serving with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

An investigation was subsequently launched by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI). While no arrests were made, the case was forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPSNI) for review.

This week, the PPSNI confirmed that, after a detailed review of the evidence submitted by PONI, it had decided not to pursue criminal charges against Mr Kerr.

In response to the PPS decision, the IOPC has confirmed that it will now resume its separate misconduct investigation into Mr Kerr. He will remain suspended from duty until that process is complete.

Chief Constable James Vaughan, who stepped into the role in December 2024, will continue to lead the force until all outstanding matters are resolved.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez issued the following statement:

“I am delighted to hear that Mr Kerr is no longer under criminal investigation. This will be a significant relief to Mr Kerr and his family. It is disappointing that it has taken nearly two years to get to this decision.

“While this is a major milestone, we await further instructions from the Independent Office for Police Conduct on any potential misconduct matters which may still need their oversight.

“The leadership of Devon and Cornwall Police remains under the stewardship of Mr Vaughan until any outstanding matters are concluded.”

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has confirmed it will remain in contact with the IOPC regarding “other associated matters” related to the case.

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