By James Simons-
A former police chief constable will face “no further action” after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Former Humberside Police Chief Constable Paul Anderson(pictured) was subject to an investigation into his conduct following his sudden retirement in July 2024.
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He faced allegations which, if proven, would have amounted to gross misconduct, including discriminatory, offensive, inappropriate or insensitive comments in the presence of colleagues and external stakeholders. Anderson had expressed concern he was being treated and being subjected to media by trial.
Amongst the allegations that the former police chief had breached the police standards of professional behaviour, he was accused of abusing his position to delay misconduct proceedings for his own benefit. Mr Anderson denied all allegations throughout the investigation which found evidence to suggest comments were made which the IOPC say “may not have been in line with the behaviour expected of a senior officer.”
The investigator’s report was completed in June 2025. but because Mr Anderson had retired, legislation required us to determine whether he had a case to answer for gross misconduct, that is, whether there was evidence of actions so serious as to justify dismissal if proven,” the IOPC said.
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Mr Anderson denied all the allegations. The IOPC said it did find “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 the available evidence, we did not consider the alleged behaviour met the threshold for gross misconduct and found there was no case to answer in respect of the allegations raised,” said the IOPC.
IOPC director Emily Barry said: “Given the officer’s seniority, and the seriousness of the allegations made, it was important for there to be a thorough and independent investigation.
“We know how hard it can be to raise concerns about a colleague, especially when they are senior in rank. Whistleblowers and witnesses must feel supported to come forward where they have such concerns, knowing they will be listened to and taken seriously.
“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.”
Humberside deputy police and crime commissioner (PCC) Leo Hammond was appointed the Appropriate Authority for this matter when the PCC was required to provide a witness statement.
Welcoming the end of the investigation, he 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.
Their commitment to get the job done for local residents and businesses is commendable and it is thanks to them that both crime and anti-social behaviour have continued to fall during this time.
“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.
“PCC Jonathan Evison, alongside the entire team at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, encourages the highest standards of conduct in Humberside Police. We will continue to hold the chief constable to account to embed the learning the IOPC identified from this process, ensuring that concerns are reported to the appropriate authority in a timely manner and that it is clear who the appropriate authority is to direct concerns.
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.”
However, the IOPC concluded they “did not consider the alleged behaviour met the threshold for gross misconduct and found there was no case to answer in respect of the allegations raised.”
The director of the IOPC, Emily Barry said, “Given the officer’s seniority, and the seriousness of the allegations made, it was important for there to be a thorough and independent investigation.
“We know how hard it can be to raise concerns about a colleague, especially when they are senior in rank.
“Whistleblowers and witnesses must feel supported to come forward where they have such concerns, knowing they will be listened to and taken seriously.
“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.”
Humberside Police said in a statement: “Chief Constable Todd welcomes the conclusion of the IOPC’s process to end the recent speculation and so the focus on Humberside Police can return to celebrating the hard work that officers and staff are delivering every day.
“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.
“The force will also support any employee who calls out inappropriate behaviour. Such behaviour will not be tolerated in Humberside Police. The force will not accept it, nor stand for it.”
However, Police Federation of England and Wales responded to the report’s findings raising concerns that the IOPC’s conclusion will leave Humberside police officers with “understandable concerns about how misconduct thresholds apply at different ranks.”
Mukund Krishna, CEO of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Officers across Humberside will understandably have questions today. When serious concerns are raised about senior leaders, our members want a process that feels fair and consistent, wherever you sit in the organisation.
“I’ve spent time with Humberside officers in recent years and heard directly about the pressures they face and the professionalism they show. Their voices matter, and they must feel protected when they speak up.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “Based on all of the evidence we gathered, including the fact there was very little independent, documentary evidence relating to the allegations, we concluded there was no case to answer for gross misconduct.”
Mr. Anderson’s retirement was announced on 25 June 2024 after less than a year in the post. A day later, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) announced allegations of potential misconduct had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and it had begun an independent investigation.
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