The acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police dubbed ‘Britain’s sexiest copper’ was suspended over sending ‘personal’ messages on his work phone.
Jim Colwell is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for alleged breaches of professional standards.
His suspension came after a compulsory referral to the police watchdog by Alison Hernandez, the police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.
Mr Colwell was leading the force in place of chief constable Will Kerr, who was suspended in July last year following ‘serious allegations of sexual offences’.
In a statement the IOPC said Mr Colwell had been served with a gross misconduct notice over allegations he used his work mobile phone to exchange messages of a ‘personal nature’.
‘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,’ a spokesman said.
‘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.’
Jim Colwell (pictured) is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for alleged breaches of professional standards
His suspension came after a compulsory referral to the police watchdog by Alison Hernandez (pictured), the police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall
The statement added: ‘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.’
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are also investigating Mr Kerr.
The PONI said its criminal investigation followed ‘serious allegations of sexual offences’ against Mr Kerr, formerly the assistant chief constable at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Mr Kerr had said he ‘strenuously denies any allegations of criminality’.
Mr Colwell was dubbed ‘Britain’s sexiest copper’ after Facebook users swooned over his looks.
Ms Hernandez said of Mr Colwell’s suspension: ‘Sadly it has been my duty to suspend acting chief constable 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.
‘Acting chief constable 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.
The headquarters of Devon and Cornwall Police. It was previously led by chief constable Will Kerr, who was suspended in July last year
‘I share those concerns and resolving leadership issues in the force remains my most pressing priority.’
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are investigating Mr Kerr.
The PONI said its criminal investigation followed ‘serious allegations of sexual offences’ against Mr Kerr, formerly the assistant chief constable at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Mr Kerr had said he ‘strenuously denies any allegations of criminality’.