Acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police suspended over allegations of breaching professional standards

Jim Colwell, the acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of breaching professional standards.

The Devon and Cornwall Police commissioner has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has confirmed it will investigate the allegations.

Alison Hernandez said: "Sadly it has been my duty to suspend A/CC Jim Colwell and refer this matter to the IOPC."

She added a "suspension is a neutral act" to allow the regulator to carry out "an independent and thorough investigation".

"It has no bearing on any indication that the allegation will be upheld and should not be seen as such," she said.

"A/CC Colwell has seven days to make representations to me relating to his suspension."

Ms Hernandez also said she "informed the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel of my decision" as is required for the suspension of a senior officer, adding she does "fully understand that there may be concerns within the force, in our communities and with our partners in relation to this suspension".

"I share those concerns and resolving leadership issues in the force remains my most pressing priority," she said.

In a statement, the IOPC said Mr Colwell had been served with a gross misconduct notice on Wednesday over allegations he had used his work mobile phone to exchange messages of a "personal nature without a policing purpose".

A spokesperson for the regulator said it received a referral for the acting crime commissioner on Monday and added: "The notice also relates to his alleged conduct concerning a force disciplinary matter.

"Our investigation is in its very early stages. The serving of such a notice advises an officer their conduct is subject to investigation and does not necessarily mean that any proceedings will follow."

Mr Colwell has been leading the force since July last year when the previous chief constable, Will Kerr, was suspended.

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Mr Kerr is being investigated by both the IOPC and the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI).

He had spent more than 27 years in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), reaching the rank of assistant chief constable for the force.

The PONI had previously said its criminal investigation followed "serious allegations of sexual offences" against the officer.

He has said he "strenuously denies any allegations of criminality".

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