Suspended police Chief Constable to step down

DEVON and Cornwall Chief Constable Will Kerr has announced his retirement by mutual consent with Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.

- WMN REPORTER

Mr Kerr has been under investigation for several years by bodies in Northern Ireland, but has not been charged with any offence. He was suspended from duty in July 2023 by Ms Hernandez, following a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). An IOPC investigation in England continues, although this is not related to criminal allegations investigated in Northern Ireland that have since been dismissed.

Ms Hernandez said in a statement: “Suspension from duty is a neutral act and there is always a presumption of innocence until proved otherwise. I have now agreed Mr Kerr's departure from the force to allow processes for new and stable leadership to take Devon and Cornwall Police forward, as this is now in the best interests of all parties.