Police misconduct notices after lecturer's murder

A police watchdog has served 18 misconduct notices related to a force's actions in the lead up to the murder of a university lecturer.

As part of the Independent Office for Police Conduct's (IOPC) inquiries, 15 Devon and Cornwall police officers, two police staff members and one former officer have been served with misconduct and gross misconduct notices.

The IOPC is investigating what contact Claire Chick, a lecturer at the University of Plymouth, had with the force prior to her murder on 22 January 2025.

An IOPC spokesperson said: "Investigators are looking at the actions and decisions taken by Devon and Cornwall Police and examining whether relevant policies and procedures were followed."

The watchdog said those served with notices had been involved in logging information, risk assessments and safeguarding decisions made about Chick on a number of occasions from September 2024 until just prior to her death.

"The serving of such notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow and will be kept under review as our work continues," the spokesperson added.

Chick, 48, was found seriously injured in West Hoe Road, Plymouth, and later died in hospital.

Her estranged husband, Paul Butler, pleaded guilty to stabbing her to death and was jailed for a minimum of 27 years.

Plymouth Crown Court was told Chick had made six statements to police about Butler's conduct and he had been arrested three times for assault, harassment and stalking.

In her final statement, made the day before she died, she told police she feared he would kill her if further action was not taken.

The IOPC said its investigation continued to make progress, adding its thoughts and sympathies remained with Chick's family and friends for their "devastating" loss.

Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable, Glen Mayhew, said his thoughts and condolences were also with Chick's family and friends.

He said the force was aware of the notices and they were continuing to "fully co-operate" with the IOPC investigation.

"The force is supporting all officers and staff through this process," ACC Mayhew added.

Chief Constable, James Vaughan, said he had asked for all live stalking investigations to be reviewed by detectives following the murder.

He said the force had made changes including oversight regimes around stalking and harassment because it was a "very dangerous crime".

"We insist investigations are overseen by a detective, we have a high-harm intelligence desk, and we've tweaked some of our processes with a much firmer focus on offenders and perpetrators," the Chief Constable said.

"We have taken some really robust actions and keep it under constant review.

"I eagerly await the outcome of the IOPC investigation because there may be further learning in that we should take and implement in Devon and Cornwall Police."

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