Overview

• Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell of Devon and Cornwall Police has been suspended following allegations of professional misconduct.
• The suspension was initiated by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
• The IOPC is investigating claims that Colwell used his work-issued mobile phone to exchange personal messages unrelated to policing and his conduct in a disciplinary matter.
• Colwell’s suspension follows the earlier suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr in July 2023 over allegations of sexual offenses and issues related to a vetting process.
• Hernandez emphasized that the suspension is a neutral act to allow for an independent investigation and does not imply guilt or confirm the allegations.