Ex-police chief cleared of gross misconduct claims

A former chief constable of Humberside Police will face no further action over allegations of gross misconduct, investigators have ruled.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has released its findings following a probe into Paul Anderson, who retired from his position in July 2024.

The watchdog said it had found evidence Mr Anderson had made comments that "may not have been in line with the behaviour expected of a senior officer". However, he had "no case to answer" for gross misconduct.

Mr Anderson, who previously denied all allegations and told the BBC he had been "horrified" by the claims, said he was "relieved" by the publication of the report.

IOPC director Emily Barry said: "The evidence did not indicate there was a case to answer for gross misconduct and there will be no further action in respect of these allegations.

"Given the officer's seniority, and the seriousness of the allegations made, it was important for there to be a thorough and independent investigation."

The claims against Mr Anderson included that he made discriminatory, offensive, inappropriate or insensitive comments, suggested past actions may have breached police standards, had inappropriately used police resources and abused his position to delay misconduct proceedings.

Mr Anderson said: "I have lived in the shadow of this investigation for the past 18 months and am both relieved and grateful for the announcement by the IOPC.

"I have never acted inappropriately or breached codes of conduct. The report has concluded and I will not be referred to any further disciplinary panel or scrutiny.

"I am pleased to see this process is now ended."

Mr Anderson, whose policing career spanned 34 years, also described working in the Humberside force area as an "absolute honour".

Mr Anderson announced his retirement from the force on 24 June 2024 and an investigation into his conduct was launched by the IOPC the following day.

The findings have been made public less than a week after three unions, representing rank and file officers at Humberside Police, urged the IOPC to be "open and transparent".

Leo Hammond, the deputy police and crime commissioner for Humberside, said the IOPC report concluded a "thorough and completely independent investigation".

"We will continue to hold the [current] Chief Constable to account to embed the learning the IOPC identified from this process.

"We will also continue to work with the force to promote a positive culture built on ethics and professionalism which is what the public rightly expects of their police force."

The Police Federation of England and Wales said the IOPC's decision would prompt questions about the consistency of accountability across policing.

Det Con Andy Green, conduct and performance liaison officer at Humberside Police Federation, said many officers would be asking "whether the same expectations have been applied here as would be applied to a PC".

Det Con Green also praised those who came forward during their case for their courage.

He said: "Speaking up about someone in a position of authority takes real bravery, and they deserve full credit for doing so."

While the investigation into Mr Anderson was carried out, whistle-blowers told the BBC that morale within Humberside Police had been "at an all-time low".

Commenting on the impact on officers, Ms Barry said: "We [the IOPC] know how hard it can be to raise concerns about a colleague, especially when they are senior in rank.

"Whistle-blowers and witnesses must feel supported to come forward where they have such concerns, knowing they will be listened to and taken seriously."

The current Humberside Police Chief Constable Chris Todd welcomed the publication of the IOPC report and said it would "end recent speculation" and allow the focus of the force to "celebrate the hard work of officers and staff".

In a statement, the force said it would "fully support any employee who has been subjected to any form of inappropriate behaviour".

"We will work hard to ensure those bringing policing into disrepute and who wear away public trust and confidence are appropriately dealt with," it added.

"Such behaviour will not be tolerated in Humberside Police. The force will not accept it, nor stand for it."

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