Police chief Jim Colwell suspended amid professional standards investigation
- Jim Colwell was suspended pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
- This suspension follows the previous suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr over unrelated allegations.
- Proactive measures are being taken to ensure leadership stability and service continuity during this period.
In recent developments within the Devon and Cornwall Police, Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell has been suspended from his duties due to alleged breaches of professional standards. This action was taken by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who announced the suspension while clarifying that it is part of a process to allow for an independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The decision to suspend Colwell follows the receipt of a gross misconduct notice related to allegations concerning the use of his work mobile phone for personal messaging. The PCC indicated that this decision was made to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation can be carried out without interference. Colwell’s suspension follows the earlier suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr, who faced allegations related to sexual misconduct. While the office of the PCC has stated that these two suspensions are not connected, they have nonetheless raised concerns within the police force, communities, and among various partners regarding leadership stability. Hernandez emphasized that resolving these leadership issues is crucial for the force’s ongoing operations. The police federation expressed its commitment to maintaining service delivery during these troubling times, stating that officers in Devon and Cornwall face increasing challenges fueled by rising public demands and scrutiny from external reviews. These events have drawn significant attention, highlighting ongoing issues within police leadership and accountability in the area.