Acting Chief Constable Exonerated After Complaint

A police oversight body, after examining a public complaint concerning an acting chief constable, determined there was “no indication of misconduct”. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) initiated an inquiry earlier this month following an accusation related to the electoral register against Ivan Balhatchet, who serves as the acting chief constable for Northamptonshire Police. Mr. Balhatchet’s interim appointment occurred in October 2023, following the suspension of Chief Constable Nick Adderley. The IOPC stated: “Our investigation has found no evidence the senior officer had been deliberately registered at more than one address for the purposes of attempting electoral fraud.” The office further added: “Our investigation into the matter, which was carried out in line with applicable law and policy, has now closed.” A representative for the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner confirmed that the IOPC had “found no indication of misconduct”. The spokesperson added: “We are very grateful to the IOPC for the independent investigation and have considered its report.” They concluded: “The matter is now closed and [the] commissioner will not be taking any further action.” Mr. Balhatchet commenced his service with Northamptonshire Police in 2000, subsequently transferring to the Metropolitan Police in 2016. He rejoined the county’s police force in 2022, assuming the role of deputy chief constable. Mr. Adderley’s dismissal occurred in June, following revelations that he had misrepresented his military service. Mr. Balhatchet has continued to serve in the chief constable position since that time. An IOPC spokesperson indicated that the organization had contacted the pertinent local authority as part of its inquiry into the allegation. The spokesperson reported that the authority affirmed it could “confidently conclude” that the second registration found in the 2002/2003 register of electors resulted from an administrative error that occurred when “registrations were hand inputted”. “In summary, our investigation has found no evidence that the senior officer had been deliberately registered at more than one address for the purposes of attempting electoral fraud,” the spokesperson reiterated.