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The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Devon & Cornwall has said she is “delighted” after a criminal investigation into suspended Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable Will Kerr was dropped.
PCC Alison Hernandez suspended Kerr in July 2023 following a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
An investigation was launched by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) after allegations were made of criminal offences while Kerr was employed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). No arrests were made as part of the investigation.
The Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPSNI) has now said that, following a file being submitted by PONI, it has taken the decision not to prosecute.
It is understood, in light of the announcement, the IOPC will be resuming its investigation into allegations of misconduct against Kerr. He will remain suspended until the outcome of this investigation.
Chief Constable James Vaughan, who was appointed to the role in December 2024, will remain in post until any outstanding matters are concluded.
“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 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.”
Devon and Cornwall PCC Alison Hernandez.
The Police Ombudsman said it remains in contact with the IOPC.
In March, PCC Hernandez voiced her frustration on how long it was taking for the allegations against Kerr to be investigated, particularly given that taxpayers were footing a substantial bill as a result.
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