Humberside Police Commissioner Issues Statement on Chief Constable Investigation

Humberside Police Chief Constable Paul Anderson’s retirement was accepted as it would work out cheaper than his suspension following the launch of a misconduct investigation.

Humberside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison has said a main reason he accepted the retirement of the force’s chief constable Paul Anderson was because it would save money. He gave a media statement after taking pre-submitted questions only on the matter from Humberside’s Police and Crime Panel, on Thursday, July 11.

Paul Anderson’s retirement was announced on June 25. He had been the force’s chief constable for just under a year. A day later, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) announced allegations of potential misconduct had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and it had begun an independent investigation. The IOPC investigation continues, regardless of Mr Anderson’s retirement.

In a media statement after the Humberside Police and Crime Panel’s meeting in Cottingham on Thursday, Jonathan Evison said there were two main reasons he had accepted Paul Anderson’s retirement.

“It secured the most advantageous financial position for the force that could have been achieved when dealing with a situation of this nature. And it allowed for us to recruit a new permanent Chief Constable quickly.

“Recent events surrounding misconduct allegations against Chief Constables elsewhere show it is not uncommon to see suspensions lasting at least nine months before a conclusion is made. Suspended officers are entitled to receive full pay during any period of suspension, regardless of the investigation’s conclusion.

“The short period of covering costs of a temporary Chief Constable during the notice period is far, far less than the costs of covering a suspension.”

He also said he stood by warm remarks given on Mr Anderson’s retirement.

“On his retirement, I went on record to thank him for his 34 years of public service and his personal contributions to the success we have seen in the performance of Humberside Police. I stand by those comments.

“The force performed well under his leadership, and I have every confidence the force will continue to improve.”

During the media statement, the Commissioner reiterated that the first his office knew of the allegations was on June 12.

While councillors and independent members on Humberside’s Police and Crime Panel were able to ask questions on the spot on all other matters on Thursday, only pre-submitted questions were allowed on the chief constable investigation matter. All were read out by panel chair Sue Whittaker, with the source of each question unspecified.

Prepared answers were provided by Jonathan Evison to the panel and copies given to media, as well as the later statement. He was asked whether any other senior officers were implicated in the allegations made against Mr Anderson. He stated:

“Any details relating to the misconduct allegations I am unable to comment further as this is now a matter of independent investigation for the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”

He was asked why none of the force’s four deputy chief constables were asked to take on the head position, and if the appointed temporary Chief Constable Judi Heaton QPM has been invited to apply for the role permanently.

“I had to focus on securing stability of the leadership team” he said, adding that moving people out of other substantive roles “can cause further disruption”.

“The senior team are all relatively new in post and this was another factor of consideration.”

He said it was the “most advantageous position” to bring in a temporary Chief Constable who already had knowledge of the force in order to maintain its high performance.

On the vacancy for a permanent head, he said:

“The advert for the Chief Constable for Humberside Police role is now live on our website and I welcome any eligible applicants.” It has been advertised via “as many channels as possible to encourage interest”.

One question asked why the PCC did not begin the misconduct process while Paul Anderson was in post. It added,

“To members of the public, it appears suspect – he was allowed to retire without facing the question while still in the job.”

Mr Evison said.

“The referral was made while Chief Constable Paul Anderson was still in post,”

During the meeting, the OPCC’s chief executive Rachel Cook gave an indicative timeline for the recruitment of the next Chief Constable, adding this is available online on the PCC’s website. It has already begun, but the selection process will take place on August 21. She added they were “hopeful” to bring a confirmation hearing by September, “at the latest”.