Criminal investigation dropped against former Devon police chief

The suspended chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police is no longer facing a criminal investigation for alleged sexual offences.

The allegations against Will Kerr relate to when he was a former assistant chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

But the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland has decided not to prosecute over the allegations, nor for an allegation of misconduct in public office.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has said it will now resume its investigation into the allegations of misconduct now the criminal investigation is resolved and Mr Kerr will remain suspended until the IOPC process is resolved.

Mr Kerr had worked for the police in Northern Ireland for 27 years, later joining Police Scotland before he joined Devon and Cornwall Police in December 2022.

He was suspended as chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police in July 2023 by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez after the allegations came to light.

An investigation was launched by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI). No arrests were made as part of the investigation.

Chief Constable James Vaughan, who was appointed to the role for Devon and Cornwall Police in December 2024, will remain in post until any outstanding matters are concluded.

Ms Hernandez said she was ‘delighted’ Mr Kerr was no longer under criminal investigation. She said: “This will be a significant relief to Mr Kerr and his family. It is disappointing that it has taken nearly two years to get to this decision.

“While this is a major milestone, we await further instructions from the Independent Office for Police Conduct on any potential misconduct matters which may still need their oversight.

“The leadership of Devon and Cornwall Police remains under the stewardship of Mr Vaughan until any outstanding matters are concluded.”