Commissioner quizzed on police chief allegations

The Humberside police and crime commissioner, Jonathan Evison, says the situation involving his former chief constable "has not been easy"

The police and crime commissioner for Humberside said he had faced a "difficult couple of weeks" after an investigation was launched into the former chief constable of the force.

Jonathan Evison discussed allegations of misconduct against Paul Anderson, who announced his retirement last month, when he appeared before the Humberside Police and Crime Panel earlier.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating Mr Anderson, who stepped down on 1 July.

Mr Evison told the panel: "Suffice to say, this has not been easy. I would really like to tell you everything I know, but I'm not allowed and I apologise for that."

He added: "These allegations were received on 12 June and I am unable to comment further as this is now a matter for the IOPC".

It was the first time the panel, which holds the police and crime commissioner (PCC) to account, has met since the allegations against Mr Anderson were made public.

Former Chief Constable Paul Anderson announced his retirement on 25 June

The panel asked Mr Evison about the appointment of a temporary chief constable, Judi Heaton, for up to six months, which he said would "maintain the high performance of the force".

Mr Evison said he had "secured the most advantageous financial position" by making the temporary appointment.

He added: "Suspended officers are entitled to receive full pay during any period of suspension, regardless of the investigation's conclusions.

"The costs of a temporary chief constable during the notice period is far, far less than the cost of covering suspension."

The recruitment process for a new, permanent chief constable of Humberside Police started on 5 July.

According to an advert on the PCC website, a contract of up to five years will include a salary of about £171,519.

Timeline

12 June - Details of potential misconduct relating to the chief constable sent to the PCC.

19 June - Humberside Police offer media interview with the chief constable to celebrate his first year in the job and plans for the future.

22 June - Media interviews with Mr Anderson are cancelled after he was "called away urgently".

24 June - The PCC refers the misconduct allegations to the IOPC.

25 June - Mr Anderson announces plans to retire.

25 June - IOPC confirms to Mr Evison that an independent investigation into the allegations against Mr Anderson is under way.

26 June - Mr Evison releases a public statement confirming the allegations and investigation.

26 June - Humberside Police releases statement saying it will "co-operate fully with the investigation".

1 July - Paul Anderson officially retires from Humberside Police as the misconduct investigation continues.

1 July - Judi Heaton QPM comes out of retirement and named temporary chief constable.

5 July -The recruitment process for a permanent chief constable is launched by the PCC.

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