MP Suggests PCC Should Consider Position If Misleading Claims Proven

A senior Labour Member of Parliament has stated that the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) ought to “seriously consider his position” if it is established that he misled the public regarding misconduct allegations against the force’s former chief constable. An organization representing high-ranking police officers confirmed that Jonathan Evison’s office informed them he had received a briefing on complaints concerning Paul Anderson five days earlier than had been previously reported. Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, highlighted the importance of this timing, noting that an additional allegation of misconduct occurred during this specific five-day interval. The BBC has contacted the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Mr. Evison for their comments. Mr. Evison’s office provided written confirmation to the Police Superintendents’ Association (PSA) that he had been briefed about allegations concerning Paul Anderson on 14 June. The OPCC had previously indicated it was made aware of a complaint on 28 May, but that it contained limited detail and was not in a written format. Consequently, Mr. Evison’s office stated that the commissioner himself was not informed until 19 June. Last week, the BBC learned Mr. Anderson was subject to an Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation for potential gross misconduct, related to “allegations of unprofessional behaviour, discriminatory, insensitive and offensive comments.” The BBC understands that at least one of the incidents under investigation by the IOPC took place after the complaint had been forwarded to the OPCC. Hardy told the BBC: “This is why the timing matters. Some people might think why are we getting so fussed about five days. It matters because we know there was an allegation of gross misconduct [Mr Anderson].” She further stated: “I think if he [Mr Evison] has misled [people], he should seriously consider his position, but I think it is very important the IOPC gets on top of this and finds out exactly what has been going on.” Sources within the force indicated that the delay in reporting the complaint allowed Mr. Anderson to “continue to behave inappropriately and erratically.” A PSA spokesperson commented: “A representative from the Humberside OPCC wrote to national officers of the PSA on the 14 June, confirming that the PCC had been briefed on allegations relating to… Paul Anderson. This was in his role as the appropriate authority for such matters.” A report from October by His Majesty’s Inspectorate Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services granted Humberside Police one of the highest performance ratings in the country. However, the report was accompanied by a letter from the inspection team which outlined “serious concerns” about “instability in senior leadership” at the force. At that time, Mr. Evison affirmed he had “no cause for concern,” and the temporary Chief Constable, Judi Heaton, pledged to address any cultural issues within the force.