Criminal investigation launched into Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable
The Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman is looking into allegations of sexual offences
Last updated 26th Jul 2023
A criminal investigation's underway into allegations of sexual offences against the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland confirmed it has begun an investigation into Will Kerr, who was previously the assistant chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Earlier, a statement from the office of Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said Kerr had been suspended in connection with 'allegations of misconduct'.
The matter is also being referred to the Indepentent Office For Police Conduct.
"Details remain confidential"
In a statement, Marie Anderson, the police ombudsman for Northern Ireland, said: "The Police Ombudsman commenced a criminal investigation into serious allegations of sexual offences against a former PSNI senior officer, currently the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall, on 16 June 2023, using her 'own motion' powers.
"The Ombudsman will also consider the circumstances under which the allegations were investigated by PSNI."
She said the office had been engaging with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on cross-jurisdictional issues "in recent weeks", as well as the office of Ms Hernandez.
Mrs Anderson added: "Details concerning the precise nature of the allegations and any early investigative actions remain confidential at this time.
"Independence and impartiality are central to all Police Ombudsman investigations and the office will be robust in following the evidence to ensure that any police officer in breach of the law and who abuses their position of trust will be held to account.
"As the investigation is at an early stage, it is not possible to confirm a likely timeframe for its conclusion."
The PSNI said it was aware of the ombudsman's criminal investigation and would "support the ombudsman as required".
Will Kerr joined the Devon and Cornwall force in December 2022, and has more than thirty years experience as a police officer.
In 2015 he was made an OBE, and he received the King's Police Medal in the New Year Honours earlier this year.
"I understand our communities will be concerned"
His role will be taken on by the now Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell.
He's released this statement:
“I understand our communities will be concerned about the reports in the media today regarding the suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr KPM by the Police and Crime Commissioner OPCC. The PCC suspension of Mr Kerr follows a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
“I am keen to reassure the public that we will maintain our focus on delivering the best possible service to our communities.
“We have thousands of dedicated and professional officers, staff and volunteers within our force and strong leadership throughout which, when pulled together, mean we can continue to make improvements at pace to provide our communities with the highest levels of service they deserve.
“Public trust and confidence are at the very heart of our ability to police effectively and we are incredibly proud that in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly we have the support of our communities.
“I will be stepping into the role of Acting Chief Constable on an interim basis to ensure consistency of leadership and service delivery of policing across the peninsula.
“This now remains a matter for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the IOPC to investigate.”