Police Scotland's Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr has been announced by Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) as the preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Constabulary.

DCC Will Kerr joined Police Scotland in 2018 taking responsibility for local policing across Scotland; partnership, prevention and community wellbeing; and criminal justice. 

Responding to the announcement, Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority said: 

“DCC Will Kerr is an outstanding and effective senior police leader. Over the last 4-years he has played a significant role strengthening Police Scotland’s links with local authorities and communities and collaborating to improve services. His leadership responding to the pandemic and delivering the policing operation to support COP26 has been recognised at home and abroad. Our loss will be Devon and Cornwall’s gain and we wish him success for the future.”

Chief Constable, Sir Iain Livingstone said:

“Will has been an outstanding leader of local policing in Scotland. I am deeply grateful for all he has done for the Service and our fellow citizens during the last four years.

“Will has been instrumental in driving localism and our response to the pandemic and COP26.

“Strong relationships and co-operation across UK policing are vital to protecting the people of Scotland. I look forward to continuing to work with Will in his new role as a fellow Chief Constable.”

The Commissioner’s decision is scheduled to be scrutinised at a confirmation hearing of the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel on Friday September 16.

Article initially published 1 September 2022