Former police chief served 'notice for misconduct'

Paul Anderson, the former chief constable, is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct

The former chief constable of Humberside Police has been formally served a "notice for misconduct", according to the police watchdog.

Paul Anderson announced plans to retire from his position in June and, a day later, an investigation into allegations of misconduct was launched.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has told the BBC its inquiries are "continuing to progress".

Jonathan Evison, Humberside police and crime commissioner (PCC), confirmed he was aware of the IOPC's progress but was "unable to comment further" while the investigation continued.

Mr Anderson is facing allegations concerning "standards of behaviour, largely related to communication and behaviour towards colleagues", said the IOPC.

A spokesperson said: "Having obtained and reviewed material in the process so far, we have served a notice for misconduct.

"This does not necessarily mean that misconduct proceedings will follow.

"We will continue to gather and review evidence as the investigation progresses."

In response to an approach from the BBC, Humberside Police said the IOPC reported to the PCC and the force was unable to comment because it had "no oversight" of the investigation.

Timeline

• 12 June: Details of potential misconduct relating to the chief constable are sent to the PCC.

• 19 June: Humberside Police offers media interviews 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 is "called away urgently".

• 24 June: The PCC refers the misconduct allegations to the IOPC.

• 25 June: Mr Anderson announces plans to retire.

• 25 June: The 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 the investigation.

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

• 1 July: Judi Heaton comes out of retirement and is appointed chief constable for a six-month period.

• 5 July: The PCC advertises for a new chief constable with a salary of £171,000.

• 27 August: The PCC confirms it has received no applications for the position and announces plans to readvertise the role.

A recruitment process to appoint a new chief constable was launched in July but failed attract a single application despite the role coming with an annual salary of £171,000.

The job is due to be readvertised in October, according to the PCC.

Judi Heaton, a former assistant chief constable at Police Scotland, has come out of retirement to take charge at Humberside Police for a six-month interim period.

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