Interim police chief appointed amid misconduct probe

Judi Heaton QPM has come out of retirement to take temporary charge of Humberside Police

A new chief constable has been put in temporary charge of Humberside Police as a misconduct investigation into the outgoing chief continues.

Judi Heaton QPM has come out of retirement and will take charge for the next six months, according to Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Evison.

The appointment comes after Paul Anderson, who had held the role for less than a year, announced plans to retire on Tuesday 25 June.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) then confirmed on Wednesday 26 June that Mr Anderson is being investigated for allegations of misconduct.

Paul Anderson is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct after allegations of misconduct

The IOPC said the complaints against Mr Anderson are "largely related to communication and behaviour towards colleagues".

It added: "We will now conduct a thorough investigation, independently of the police, into the matters brought to our attention."

Humberside Police said it would "co-operate fully" with the IOPC investigation and would not make any further comment on the matter.

'Vast experience'

The appointment of Ms Heaton comes on Mr Anderson's final day of employment with the Humberside force.

In a statement, the PCC said she had been selected for the role because of her "local knowledge" and "vast experience".

Mr Evison said: "‘Her ambition for the area, passion for policing and public service provides me with much confidence the Force has the right leadership during a period which could be unsettling."

Ms Heaton started her policing career in 1991 serving as a constable in Scunthorpe before transferring to the Cheshire Constabulary as an inspector and chief inspector.

She returned to Humberside Police in 2006 becoming head of crime and the head of professional standards.

Most recently she held the position of assistant chief constable at Police Scotland.

Discussing her appointment, Ms Heaton said it was an "honour" to be invited to the role and hoped to bring "stability" to the Force.

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