By Lucy Caulkett-
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.
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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.
His statement came following a letter by three watchdogs asking the police regulator to be transparent with its investigations
”Throughout the process, I have been subject to malicious press leaks spreading falsities and manipulation of events for personal and political gain
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The effect of the media reporting has been significant, and the personal detriment to me has been massive”
‘I am seriously concerned about the fairness of this investigation in circumstances where there has already been trial by media
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.
He also said he would welcome the final report when it was published.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct elevated the seriousness of its investigation and decided the allegations could amount to gross misconduct, the gravest level of disciplinary offence. It follows complaints made by other officers and staff.
Anderson is under investigation for “unprofessional behaviour, including making discriminatory, insensitive and offensive comments”, the IOPC said.
One remark was alleged to have been made at an event to boost the combatting of violence against women and girls. One source said a woman was present and heard the remark.
The allegations also include comments made about a Humberside police investigation into a Hull funeral home, which some police colleagues who were present said they found offensive.
An IOPC statement at the time said “Investigators have gathered and reviewed a significant amount of information, including witness statements. Efforts are ongoing to obtain additional statements as part of our inquiries.
“Following a review of the available evidence, we have now informed the former officer that they are under investigation for potential gross misconduct. This relates to allegations of unprofessional behaviour, including making discriminatory, insensitive and offensive comments, and that they used their senior position to interfere with the outcome of a disciplinary matter.
“The serving of a misconduct notice does not necessarily mean that misconduct proceedings will follow. As with all our investigations, the status of those involved will remain under review throughout.”
Anderson worked in policing for 34 years and joined Humberside police as an assistant chief constable in 2019, becoming deputy chief constable before rising to chief constable in August 2023.
A spokesperson for Humberside’s police and crime commissioner said: “We have been made aware of the outcome of the latest IOPC severity assessment of the allegations made against the former chief constable and that the investigation continues. As this remains a live investigation we cannot comment further.”
Anderson was previously said to have been cleared of all misconduct allegations, making news of its ongoing investigation a bit of a mystery.
When raised with an IOPC spokesperson today, their representative had no knowledge of the previous clearing.
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