Chief constable won't be prosecuted

Investigation into Will Kerr dropped, but he remains suspended

The suspended chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police won't be prosecuted over allegations of sexual offences.

Almost two years after Will Kerr was suspended, prosecutors in Northern Ireland have announced the decision, and also said he won't face charges relating to an allegation of misconduct in public office.

Mr Kerr was a former chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and worked there for 27 years, before joining Police Scotland.

He took the top job at Devon and Cornwall Police in December 2022 but was suspended seven months later after it emerged he was under investigation for following allegations of sexual offences.

At the time he strenuously denied any allegations of criminality.

The force's deputy chief constable Jim Colwell stepped up into the role, until he was suspended last year whilst an investigation takes place into a separate matter.

Today's news does not mean that Mr Kerr will return to work in the short term. In light of the announcement, it is understood that the IOPC will resume its investigation into allegations of misconduct against Mr Kerr. He will remain suspended until its outcome.

Interim chief constable James Vaughan, who was appointed to the role last December, will remain in post until any outstanding matters are concluded.

Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said: "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.”