Acting Police Chief Suspended Amid Allegations of Professional Misconduct

Jim Colwell, the acting chief constable for Devon and Cornwall Police, has been suspended due to alleged “professional standards breaches,” according to Alison Hernandez, the Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner (PCC). His suspension is pending an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Ms. Hernandez stated, “I have this morning informed the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel of my decision and fully understand that there may be concerns within the force, in our communities and with our partners in relation to this suspension.” The commissioner also indicated that she shared these “concerns” and that temporary leadership arrangements would be established “due course.” “A/CC Colwell has seven days to make representations to me relating to his suspension,” Ms. Hernandez remarked, adding, “Resolving leadership issues in the force remains my most pressing priority.” The IOPC reported that Mr. Colwell received a gross misconduct notice concerning allegations that he utilized his work mobile phone to send messages of a “personal nature.” The IOPC confirmed it received a referral regarding this matter from the Devon and Cornwall PCC on Monday. An IOPC spokesperson confirmed, “We have started an independent investigation into the conduct of acting chief constable Jim Colwell.” The chair of the Devon and Cornwall Police Federation stated that the organization would collaborate with the force to guarantee the continuity of service delivery during these “challenging times.” Nick Jones commented, “Police Officers in Devon and Cornwall are striving to rise to the difficult challenges daily, dealing with ever increasing public demand, coupled with increased scrutiny from our requirement to improve under recent HMICFRS reviews, which I know we have robustly challenged.“This latest news is devastating, not just for the members of Devon and Cornwall and the communities we serve, but for the ongoing continuity of business delivery at the highest level.”” Mr. Colwell had been leading the force as a replacement for chief constable Will Kerr, who was suspended in July 2023 following sexual allegations. The PCC’s office clarified that the suspensions of Mr. Colwell and Mr. Kerr are unrelated. Regarding the decision to suspend Mr. Colwell, Ms. Hernandez further stated, “Suspension is a neutral act to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place. “It has no bearing on any indication that the allegations will be upheld and should not be seen as such.”” Steve Darling, the Member of Parliament for Torbay, characterized the situation as “bizarre.” He remarked, “It feels as if we are on a merry-go-round of chief constables,” adding, “Having this happening at another time in Devon where the acting lead officer for the police, because of the suspension, is now himself suspended.” Steve Race, the MP for Exeter, expressed “severe concerns” regarding both the leadership and political leadership within Devon and Cornwall Police. He noted, “We have a chief constable who has been suspended for over a year, we now have the acting chief constable who is also suspended.” Mr. Race conveyed that residents throughout Devon and Cornwall “really deserve answers” concerning the force’s leadership. He further stated, “I think Devon and Cornwall people deserve to know what the plan is to deliver a good police service across our two counties.”