Criminal investigation into suspended Chief Constable Will Kerr dropped

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, has welcomed the news that the criminal investigation into suspended Chief Constable Will Kerr has been discontinued.

Mr Kerr, who was appointed Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police in December 2022, was suspended in July 2023 after a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concerning allegations of historic criminal conduct during his previous service with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Following the referral, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) launched an investigation. No arrests were made during the course of the inquiry. A file was subsequently passed to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPSNI), which has now confirmed that no charges will be brought and the case will not proceed to prosecution.

In response, Commissioner 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 reach this decision.

“While this is a major milestone, we now await further updates from the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to any potential misconduct matters that remain outstanding.

“The leadership of Devon and Cornwall Police continues under Chief Constable James Vaughan until all matters are fully resolved.”

Mr Kerr remains suspended while the IOPC resumes its separate misconduct investigation, which had been paused pending the outcome of the criminal inquiry. The IOPC has confirmed it will assess the matter and determine the appropriate next steps in due course.

Chief Constable James Vaughan, the former Chief Constable of Dorset Police, was appointed on an interim basis in December 2024 and will continue to lead the force during the ongoing proceedings.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland stated it remains in contact with the IOPC as the process moves forward.

Will Kerr has over 30 years of policing experience, including senior roles within the PSNI and the National Crime Agency before being appointed to Devon and Cornwall Police. His suspension marked the first time a chief constable in the region had been removed from duties during an active investigation.