Delay in Addressing Former Police Chief’s Complaints

The BBC has learned that grievances concerning a former Chief Constable of Humberside Police were “sat on” for multiple weeks, reportedly enabling him to persist in acting “inappropriately”. According to the Police Superintendents’ Association, its members lodged complaints regarding Paul Anderson with the police force on 23 May, a full month prior to these complaints being forwarded to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC). Several internal sources from the force have indicated that throughout this “period of delay”, Mr Anderson’s conduct persisted in a way “not befitting of a Chief Constable”. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) stated that it became aware of a complaint on 28 May, though the commissioner himself was not informed until 19 June. The BBC comprehends that a minimum of one incident currently under investigation by the IOPC transpired subsequent to the complaint being conveyed to the OPCC. One source commented: “In the time it took to report the complaints Paul Anderson was able to continue to behave inappropriately and erratically.” They added: “It was not befitting of a Chief Constable.” A different source further stated: “If the complaint hadn’t been sat on the damage wouldn’t have been as bad and it wouldn’t have continued.” This source also remarked: “A lot of people were concerned about it.” The OPCC had previously indicated that it was initially apprised of the complaints on 12 June and subsequently referred them to the IOPC on 24 June. However, it has now informed the BBC that it possessed knowledge of complaints on 28 May, but did not obtain “details in writing” until 12 June. Personnel from the OPCC did not brief Jonathan Evison, the Police and Crime Commissioner, until 19 June. Following this, he sought legal counsel prior to dispatching a referral to the IOPC. Melanie Onn, the Labour MP representing Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, commented: “It is now clear the PCC was not accurate in his first public response on this serious matter.” She further stated: “The failure to raise initial concerns with the IOPC in a timely manner allowed further incidents to occur.” Onn concluded: “Ultimately, all the people in the Humberside area want is a good, high-quality police force that support officers in their roles and reflects the values it preaches.” On Thursday, the BBC ascertained that Mr Anderson was subject to an IOPC investigation concerning potential gross misconduct due to “allegations of unprofessional behaviour, discriminatory, insensitive and offensive comments”. Additionally, he is under investigation for an accusation pertaining to interference with the resolution of a disciplinary issue. The OPCC has informed the BBC that Mr Anderson proposed his retirement upon being initially apprised of the allegations against him on 24 June. The subsequent day, the IOPC verified that an investigation into his conduct had commenced. The timeframe spanning 23 May and 24 June also coincided with an inspection conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. This body subsequently expressed “serious concerns” regarding the leadership within the force. Judi Heaton, who serves as the interim Chief Constable of Humberside Police, has affirmed her commitment to addressing “cultural issues” within the force. A chronological summary of key events is provided below: 23 May – Police Superintendents’ Association raises complaints about the conduct of the Chief Constable with chief officers at Humberside Police. 28 May – Staff in the OPCC are first told of a complaint against the Chief Constable but it had “limited details”. 12 June – Staff in the OPCC receive a written complaint from a senior police officer. 19 June – The PCC is briefed for the first time about the complaint. 24 June – Mr Anderson gives verbal notice of his decision to retire to the OPCC. The OPCC refers the misconduct allegations against Mr Anderson to the IOPC. 25 June – IOPC confirms to OPCC that an independent investigation into the allegations against Mr Anderson is under way. 1 July – Paul Anderson has his final day in office before retiring. Judi Heaton is named interim Chief Constable. 16 October – His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services raises “serious concerns” about “instability in the senior leadership” at Humberside Police. 28 October – IOPC confirms Mr Anderson is under investigation for potential gross misconduct.