Will Kerr, who joined the pressure in December 2022, was suspended by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.
An announcement issued by her workplace on Wednesday afternoon stated: “Pursuant to part 38(2) of the Police Reform and Social Accountability Act 2011, Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, has suspended the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Will Kerr OBE KPM, following allegations of misconduct.
I’m eager to reassure the general public that we are going to keep our give attention to delivering the very best service to our communities
“The commissioner has referred the matter to the Unbiased Workplace for Police Conduct, which has confirmed it should start an investigation.”
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed deputy chief constable Jim Colwell would develop into performing chief constable following the suspension of Mr Kerr.
Mr Colwell stated: “I perceive our communities might be involved in regards to the stories within the media right now relating to the suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr KPM by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
“The PCC suspension of Mr Kerr follows a referral to the Unbiased Workplace for Police Conduct.
“I’m eager to reassure the general public that we are going to keep our give attention to delivering the very best service to our communities.
“Now we have 1000’s of devoted {and professional} officers, workers and volunteers inside our pressure and robust management all through which, when pulled collectively, imply we will proceed to make enhancements at tempo to supply our communities with the very best ranges of service they deserve.”
Mr Colwell added: “I might be moving into the function of Performing Chief Constable on an interim foundation to make sure consistency of management and repair supply of policing throughout the peninsula.
“This now stays a matter for the Workplace of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the IOPC to analyze.”
A spokesman for the Unbiased Workplace for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated: “Following evaluation of a referral from the Police and Crime Commissioner, we’ve got determined to analyze allegations of misconduct in opposition to the Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police, Will Kerr.”
Mr Kerr has spent greater than 30 years in policing and was deputy chief constable at Police Scotland earlier than becoming a member of Devon and Cornwall.
He served with the Police Service of Northern Eire for greater than 27 years and reached the rank of assistant chief constable there, main on each critical crime and counter terrorism.
In 2015 he was made an OBE, and he obtained the King’s Police Medal within the New Yr Honours earlier this yr.
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