‘No Case to Answer’ for Former Humberside Police Chief Constable

An independent investigation into potential gross misconduct by a former Humberside Police Chief Constable has found there is “no case to answer”.

Paul Anderson was the force’s Chief Constable from August 2023 until July 2024, and announced his retirement as allegations over his conduct emerged.

These allegations have been investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). They included claims Mr Anderson made discriminatory, offensive, inappropriate or insensitive comments in the presence of colleagues and external stakeholders, and made inappropriate use of police resources.

Mr Anderson denied all allegations. The IOPC has announced its investigation found there was no case to answer for gross misconduct and there will be no further action taken.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Leo Hammond was appointed the appropriate authority for the matter after Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison had to give a witness statement. 

Mr Hammond said:

"This brings to a close an exceedingly thorough and completely independent investigation after which the IOPC determined that there is no case to answer,”

“I would like to place on record our thanks to Paul Anderson for his long service and contribution to policing and community safety. We wish him every success in retirement.

“I should also like to acknowledge the work of the 2,300 Police Officers, plus PCSOs, Special Constables and Police Staff of Humberside Police who have continued to go out every day and to keep our communities safe whilst this investigation has been ongoing.” 

“It is with them in mind that I express my disappointment at the number of so-called ‘leaks’ and disingenuous political commentary that have occurred throughout this investigation, ultimately delaying the outcome. This behaviour undermines public confidence in due process and policing.

“We trust the IOPC’s determination will put an end to this type of mischief-making, highlighting the importance of allowing independent investigations to proceed without interference.”

Mr Hammond added that Mr Evison and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) “will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to embed the learning the IOPC identified from this process”.

Humberside Police’s Chief Constable Chris Todd welcomed the conclusion of the IOPC process to end recent speculation and so focus can return on celebrating the hard work of the force’s officers and staff. It was added that the force will

“fully support any employee who has been subjected to any form of inappropriate behaviour and we will work hard to ensure those bringing policing into disrepute and who are wearing away the trust and confidence the public has in policing are appropriately dealt with”.

Any employee who calls out inappropriate behaviour will be supported and such behaviour will not be tolerated. “The force will not accept it, nor stand for it.”

What were the claims made and what has the IOPC investigation found?

The allegations covered four areas. These included allegations of inappropriate comments and misuse of police resources, and also that Mr Anderson:

•     Relayed anecdotes appearing to suggest past actions that may have breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
•     Abused his position to delay misconduct proceedings for his own benefit.

Mr Evison has faced scrutiny over when he and his office became aware of the allegations against Mr Anderson. This included an “uncomfortable to watch” TV interview last year, where he reacted testily to being asked about claims his office had ‘sat on’ the allegations.

The IOPC informed the OPCC of a formal complaint on June 12, and Mr Evison has stated he was briefed a week later.

The police force offered interviews with Mr Anderson to mark his first year as Chief Constable days before his retirement was announced. These were cancelled on June 24, as he was “called away urgently”. An OPCC spokesperson told the LDRS last year that was the day Mr Anderson was informed of the allegations. His retirement was announced the next day, and accepted by Mr Evison as cheaper than a suspension.

IOPC director Emily Barry said given Mr Anderson’s seniority, and the seriousness of the allegations,

“it was important for there to be a thorough and independent investigation”.

“In this case, the evidence did not indicate there was a case to answer for gross misconduct and so there will be no further action in respect of these allegations.”

The investigation report ended in June.

It found some evidence of some comments that may not have been in line with the behaviour expected of a senior officer. However, some witnesses told the IOPC they believed his behaviour was unintentional in some cases, or not done with malicious intent.

Considering all evidence, the IOPC did not consider the alleged behaviour met the threshold for gross misconduct and found no case to answer.