Criminal investigation into suspended chief constable dropped
The suspended chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Will Kerr, will not to be prosecuted over allegations of sexual offending and misconduct in office.
The allegations were made while Mr Kerr was employed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said after careful consideration of an investigation file received from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in May 2024, it was concluded “the available evidence was insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence”.
The police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, said she was “delighted” after it was revealed the criminal investigation has been dropped.
Mr Kerr was suspended by Ms Hernandez in July 2023 following a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
It is understood that, in light of the announcement, the IOPC will be resuming its investigation into allegations of misconduct against Mr Kerr, said Ms Hernandez. He will remain suspended until the outcome of this investigation.
Chief Constable James Vaughan, who was appointed to the role in December 2024, will remain in post until any outstanding matters are concluded.
Ms Hernandez 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 IOPC 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.”
The Police Ombudsman said no arrests were made as part of its investigation investigation into the allegations.
A spokeswoman for the PPS said: “We have carefully considered all the evidence submitted by the Police Ombudsman’s Office in connection with this complex case.
“The standard of proof needed for a criminal prosecution is high. In order to prosecute, the evidence must be sufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction. In this case, the available evidence did not reach this threshold.
“All relevant parties have been informed of the decision by the PPS, with assurance that the decision was taken only after a most careful examination of all the evidence and information available.”
The Police Ombudsman said it remains in contact with the IOPC.