No prosecution of chief constable but misconduct inquiry continues

THE suspended chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police will not be prosecuted over allegations of sexual offences.

- by STAFF REPORTER @[e-mail] @DevonLiveNews

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland also said Will Kerr will not face charges relating to an allegation of misconduct in public office.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez said the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) would now be resuming an investigation into allegations of misconduct against Mr Kerr. He will remain suspended until the outcome of this investigation.

Mr Kerr was a former assistant chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). He had worked for the PSNI for 27 years, later joining Police Scotland before he was appointed by Ms Hernandez to lead the Devon and Cornwall force in December 2022.

He was suspended as chief constable in 2023 after it emerged he was under investigation following allegations of sexual offences. At the time he strenuously denied any allegations of criminality.