Ex-police chief 'horrified' by misconduct claims

A former chief constable of Humberside Police has strongly denied allegations of gross misconduct and says he was "horrified" when the claims were made against him.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into Paul Anderson after he announced his retirement from the force in June 2024.

Mr Anderson, speaking publicly for the first time about the allegations, said he had "promoted high standards of respect, courtesy, honesty, and integrity" throughout his 34-year career.

An IOPC spokesperson said: "As with the vast majority of our investigations, we will publish an anonymised summary once all other matters have been concluded."

Mr Anderson said he "fully supported" the IOPC investigation and said it was a "fundamental right" that he was given a fair hearing.

His statement was made after three unions wrote to the police watchdog urging it to be "open and transparent" with the investigation into the former chief.

"Throughout this process, I have been subject to malicious press leaks spreading falsities and manipulation of events for personal and political gain," Mr Anderson said.

"I am seriously concerned about the fairness of this investigation, in circumstances where there has already been trial by media.

"The effect of the media reporting has been significant and the personal detriment to me [has been] massive."

He also said he would welcome the final report when it was published.

The IOPC told representatives of Humberside Police Superintendents' Association, Unison and the Humberside Police Federation that its findings would be published "in due course".

A copy of the investigators' report and draft findings were sent to the Office of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in June - a year after the investigation into Mr Anderson's conduct began.

Under law, the OPCC had 28 days to respond and make comments. The BBC understands a request to extend that deadline was made.

Humberside's deputy police and crime commissioner, Leo Hammond, the appropriate authority for the misconduct case, said: "We are awaiting the final publication details from the IOPC in respect of the investigation into conduct matters for previous chief constable Paul Anderson.

"We will comment further once the final outcome is published by the IOPC."

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