Former Devon and Cornwall Police chief’s £165k settlement confirmed

Former Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable Will Kerr received a settlement of more than £165,000 when he retired while under investigation for gross misconduct.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has confirmed Mr Kerr was paid £165,539 – the equivalent of nine months of his annual salary.

Mr Kerr, who was suspended in July 2023 following a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), announced in July 2025 that he would retire, saying it was in the “best interests” of his family and the force. He has not been arrested or charged with any offence.

The IOPC investigation into alleged gross misconduct remains ongoing, with no date for its conclusion.

Had Mr Kerr not retired, he would have continued to receive his monthly salary until the end of his contract in December 2027. The commissioner said taxpayers could otherwise have been liable for 29 months of salary payments.

Ms Hernandez said: “Mr Kerr was suspended on full pay from July 2023 as per the requirements of police regulations while investigations into his conduct continued.

“With no certainty on the length of the IOPC investigation the reality we were facing was significant additional costs to taxpayers and continued leadership instability.

“By reaching a financial settlement, that uncertainty has now been resolved and efforts can now be fully focused on delivering a stable and effective police force.”

The commissioner also said she remained “incredibly frustrated” by the time taken for the investigation to conclude.

Interim Chief Constable James Vaughan has agreed to remain in post until January 2027. Ms Hernandez said this would provide stability for Devon and Cornwall Police which, she argued, would not have been possible had Mr Kerr remained suspended.