Jim Colwell: Devon and Cornwall Police acting chief suspended amid misconduct investigation over work mobile phone use

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The acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Jim Colwell, has been suspended following an investigation into allegations of professional misconduct.

Colwell, who had been leading the force in the absence of Chief Constable Will Kerr, was served a gross misconduct notice over claims that he used his work mobile phone to send personal messages without a policing purpose.

The notice, issued by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), also relates to Colwell’s conduct concerning a force disciplinary matter. The IOPC confirmed it has begun an independent investigation, though it is still in its early stages.

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A spokesperson stated: "The serving of such a notice advises an officer their conduct is subject to investigation and does not necessarily mean that any proceedings will follow."

Jim Colwell, the acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of breaching professional standards.Jim Colwell, the acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of breaching professional standards.
Jim Colwell, the acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of breaching professional standards. | Devon and Cornwall Police

Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, announced Colwell’s suspension on Monday, November 25, following the referral to the IOPC. She described the suspension as a neutral act to facilitate an independent and thorough investigation.

She added: “It has no bearing on any indication that the allegations will be upheld and should not be seen as such." Hernandez further said that Colwell has seven days to make representations regarding his suspension. She also acknowledged potential concerns from within the force and the wider community, saying that resolving leadership issues is a top priority.

Colwell's suspension comes amid ongoing investigations into his predecessor, Will Kerr, who was suspended in July 2023. Kerr is under investigation by both the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) and the IOPC in relation to serious allegations of sexual offences, which he has strongly denied.

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