Devon Acting Chief Constable suspended

Jim Colwell, the Acting Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, has been suspended following allegations of gross misconduct.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is investigating claims that Colwell used his work mobile phone to exchange messages of a "personal nature" unrelated to his policing duties.  

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Alison Hernandez described the suspension as a "neutral act" to allow for an independent investigation. “This decision does not imply guilt or innocence,” she stated, adding that Colwell has seven days to provide representations regarding the suspension. 

The IOPC, which received a referral from the PCC earlier this week, noted that the investigation is in its initial stages. "The serving of a gross misconduct notice indicates an officer's conduct is under investigation but does not necessarily mean proceedings will follow,” an IOPC spokesperson said. 

This development adds further strain to the leadership of Devon and Cornwall Police, which has been under intense scrutiny following the ongoing suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr, who has faced unrelated allegations of sexual misconduct since July 2023. 

Colwell’s suspension comes at a critical time for the force, which has faced heightened public scrutiny and challenges in meeting operational demands.

In response to the situation, PCC Hernandez assured the public that interim leadership arrangements would be made soon, acknowledging concerns from within the force and the wider community. 

“This is a difficult time for the officers and staff of Devon and Cornwall Police, as well as the communities they serve,” said Nick Jones, Chair of the Devon and Cornwall Police Federation. “We are committed to maintaining service delivery and supporting our colleagues through this challenging period.” 

Local MPs have voiced concerns about the ongoing leadership crisis within the force. Steve Race, MP for Exeter, described the situation as “deeply troubling” and called for clarity. “The people of Devon and Cornwall deserve strong, stable leadership to ensure effective policing across the region,” he said. 

Steve Darling, MP for Torbay, likened the situation to a "merry-go-round of chief constables." He added, “This revolving door of leadership is eroding public confidence in the police.”

Colwell, who joined Devon and Cornwall Police in 2001, has had a distinguished career, rising through the ranks with a reputation for meticulous investigative work and leadership in high-profile cases.

He has served as Acting Chief Constable since July 2023, taking the reins after Will Kerr’s suspension. 

During his tenure, Colwell has overseen policing operations across the vast Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly region, managing transformational change initiatives and ensuring community connectivity. 

Despite his record of service, the allegations now cast a shadow over his leadership, with the investigation poised to examine whether his actions breached the standards expected of a senior police officer. 

The IOPC’s investigation will determine the validity of the allegations and whether formal disciplinary proceedings will follow. Meanwhile, the Devon and Cornwall Police face mounting pressure to restore stability and public trust as they navigate yet another leadership upheaval. 

In a time of significant challenges for the force, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on its ability to maintain effective policing while addressing internal issues. As the investigation unfolds, questions about the future leadership of the Devon and Cornwall Police loom large.