Suspended Northamptonshire police chief still on full pay

Nick Adderley is being investigated by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC)

It has emerged that a chief constable is still being paid his full salary despite being suspended from his job pending an investigation.

Nick Adderley, who runs Northamptonshire Police, is still receiving his £165,000 annual earnings.

A criminal investigation was launched after his wearing of military medals.

The police, fire and crime commissioner's office said suspending Mr Adderley on full pay was in line with regulations.

Mr Adderley became Northamptonshire's chief constable in 2018 and was due to step down this year but was offered a new contract which increased his salary to £165,000.

The complaint against Mr Adderley relates to his wearing of a medal awarded to those who served in the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina in 1982 - which began when Mr Adderley was aged 15.

He has been suspended while an inquiry by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) takes place.

The chief constable previously said: "Coming from a military family, I wear all my medals with pride and have always worn the two medals my brothers gave me to wear when one became critically ill and one emigrated, alongside my own."

There have been calls for his resignation, including one from the Labour group leader on West Northamptonshire Council, Wendy Randall.

In response to news that the chief constable was suspended on full pay, Ms Randall said: "They are following the process, but it's a lot of money.

"I think if officers who are suspended are found guilty, the money should be paid back."

Northamptonshire's Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold's office confirmed that Mr Adderley is still on full pay

Mr Adderley's suspension has to be reviewed no later than four weeks after it began.

Home Office guidance indicates pay should not be reduced while an officer is suspended.

The police, fire and crime commissioner's office confirmed to the BBC that "Chief Constable Nick Adderley is suspended on full pay, in line with national police regulation 11(3)".

The regulation states simply that: "A suspension under this regulation must be with pay".