About Ian Drysdale
Police chief Will Kerr faces serious sexual offence allegations
By Julian O'NeillBBC News NI Home Affairs correspondent
The suspended chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police is being investigated over serious allegations of sexual offences in Northern Ireland .
Will Kerr was a Police Officer in Northern Ireland for 27 years before leaving in 2018.
He joined Devon and Cornwall Police in December.
He is subject to a separate investigation in England by The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over misconduct allegations.
He was by The Police and crime commissioner on Wednesday.
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland said it had launched a criminal investigation on 16 June into " serious allegations of sexual offences".
Bbc News NI understands Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne made the Northern Ireland Policing Board aware of developments last week.
Mr Kerr served with the PSNI and its predecessor The Royal Ulster Constabulary and rose to the rank of assistant chief constable before leaving to join Police Scotland , where he became deputy chief constable.
In a statement on Wednesday, the PSNI said it was aware of a Police Ombudsman criminal investigation and would support the ombudsman as required.
It said details about the exact nature of the allegations against Mr Kerr and any early investigative actions remained confidential.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said as the allegations did not relate to his time at that force, it would be inappropriate for them to comment.
Devon and Cornwall allegationsAn Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesperson said it had " decided to investigate allegations of misconduct" against Mr Kerr.
This followed a referral from the Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner.
Ian Drysdale , vice chairman of The Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA), said Mr Kerr was suspended as part of " an ongoing inquiry into legacy misconduct matters for which he is yet to be interviewed".
During Mr Kerr's time with the PSNI he led on both serious crime and counter terrorism.
He was appointed an OBE in 2015 and was awarded The King 's Police Medal in the 2023 New Year Honours.
Related TopicsSource of news: bbc.com
