DEVON and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has suspended Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell 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.

She said: “Sadly it has been my duty to suspend A/CC Jim Colwell and refer this matter to the IOPC. Suspension is a neutral act to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place. It has no bearing on any indication that the allegations 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.”

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has confirmed that Temporary Chief Constable David Thorne is now leading the force.

The office also confirmed that A/CC Colwell is employed on a salary of £196,839 a year.

The IOPC confirmed it has started an independent investigation into the conduct of the acting chief constable.

In a statement it said: “Following a referral from the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner on Monday November 25 we have started an independent investigation into the conduct of Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell.

“On Wednesday he was served a notice telling him he is being investigated for potential gross misconduct in respect of his use of a work issue mobile phone to exchange messages of a personal nature without a policing purpose.

“The notice also relates to his alleged conduct concerning a force disciplinary matter.

“Our investigation is in its very early stages. 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.”