The Crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Police has suspended her second force boss in as many years over potential conduct matters.

Alison Hernandez, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly announced today that she is suspending Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell following alleged professional standards breaches.

It comes just 14 months after he replaced the then Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Will Kerr OBE KPM who has been suspended over allegations of misconduct since July last year.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation.

A short statement on the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner’s website, headed: ‘Acting Chief Constable suspended while investigated for potential conduct matters’, said: Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell has been suspended following alleged professional standards breaches.

“The Commissioner has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has confirmed it will investigate the allegations,” it said.

“The Commissioner will announce interim leadership arrangements in due course.”

Ms Hernandez added that resolving leadership issues in the force remained her top priority: “Sadly it has been my duty to suspend A/CC Jim Colwell and refer this matter to the IOPC,” she said. “Suspension is a neutral act to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place. It has no bearing on any indication that the allegation will be upheld and should not be seen as such.

“A/CC Colwell has seven days to make representations to me relating to his suspension.

“As required for any suspension of a senior officer, I have this morning informed the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel of my decision and fully understand that there may be concerns within the force, in our communities and with our partners in relation to this suspension. I share those concerns and resolving leadership issues in the force remains my most pressing priority.”

Jim Colwell joined Devon & Cornwall Police in 2001, and was appointed to the rank of assistant chief constable in 2019 after working in various different senior roles.