IOPC clears former Acting Chief Constable of gross misconduct

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded there is no evidence of gross misconduct by Jim Colwell, the former acting Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police, following an investigation into his conduct.

Mr. Colwell was suspended in November 2024 amid allegations that he used his work mobile phone to exchange messages of a “personal nature,” raising concerns about potential professional standards breaches.

IOPC found that:

• No gross misconduct or breaches of honesty and integrity standards were found.

• No improper handling of a force disciplinary matter was identified.

• However, the IOPC determined that Mr. Colwell “has a case to answer” for a potential breach of the force’s Notifiable Associations Policy - the rules governing associations that must be declared to the force.

In its report, the IOPC stated:

“There is sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable misconduct tribunal could find that his actions breached standards of professional behaviour for order and instructions, and conduct.”

As a result, a misconduct hearing will be convened, overseen by Essex Police’s Chief Constable as the delegated authority, to decide whether the breach is proven and to determine any sanctions.

Devon & Cornwall Police have lifted Mr. Colwell’s suspension, but he will remain away from normal duties until the misconduct hearing concludes. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner welcomed the swift IOPC inquiry and confirmed that the force will now progress the case through its internal misconduct procedures under the Chief Constable’s supervision.

Jim Colwell, who served as Acting Chief Constable following the retirement of his predecessor in mid-2024, will now await the outcome of the formal hearing. The case underscores the importance of adherence not only to broad integrity standards but also to specific force policies on declared associations - rules designed to maintain public confidence in policing.

The hearing date is expected to be set in the coming weeks. Until then, Mr. Colwell’s professional standing remains intact with no finding of gross misconduct.