Complaint into acting chief constable investigated

Ivan Balhatchet has been the acting chief constable since October 2023

A complaint from a member of the public about an acting chief constable has been referred to the police watchdog.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had investigated the evidence and there was "no current intention" to serve a misconduct notice to Ivan Balhatchet, who is acting chief constable for Northamptonshire Police.

The IOPC added that it would complete its investigation as soon as possible.

Mr Balhatchet was promoted to the job last October following the suspension of the previous chief officer, Nick Adderley.

Mr Balhatchet was temporarily promoted after Mr Adderley was sacked for lying about his career

Mr Balhatchet joined Northamptonshire Police in 2000 before moving to the Metropolitan Police in 2016.

He returned to the county's force in 2022, where he became deputy chief constable.

His temporary promotion came in October 2023 after the chief constable, Mr Adderley, was suspended while allegations of misrepresenting his military service were investigated.

Mr Adderley was dismissed in June, and Mr Balhatchet has remained in the chief constable role ever since.

After Mr Adderley's departure, Mr Balhatchet said: "Trust in the police is the worst it's ever been, and I totally understand why that is."

The office of the police, fire and crime commissioner, Danielle Stone, confirmed that an allegation had been made against Mr Balhatchet

As first reported by NN Journal, a formal complaint had been made against him.

The office of the police, fire and crime commissioner, Danielle Stone, issued a brief statement: "We can confirm that we received an allegation from a member of the public concerning chief constable Ivan Balhatchet.

"In line with statutory requirements, we referred this matter to the IOPC.”

The IOPC said: it “We can confirm we received a referral from the Office of Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in early September.

"In line with requirements, we are investigating an allegation against a senior Northamptonshire Police officer relating to electoral registration.

"We have assessed the available evidence, and there is no current intention to serve any misconduct notice. We are working to complete the investigation as soon as possible.”