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A chief constable has announced his retirement after being told he was being investigated for alleged inappropriate behavior following complaints from junior officers, the Guardian has learned.
The retirement of Paul Anderson as Chief Constable of Humberside Police was announced on Tuesday, just 10 months after taking up the post.
On Wednesday, he was named by his police and crime commissioner as the subject of an investigation. It has been announced that the Chief Constable will step down with immediate effect.
Multiple sources told the Guardian the allegations included comments about a major investigation by Humberside Police at a local funeral home. The investigation will examine whether other alleged comments were discriminatory.
Anderson is the latest chief constable to face questions about his conduct and Humberside is now one of several forces in England and Wales without a permanent leader.
The inspection will be carried out by an independent service for Police Conduct, leadership. In a statement, the watchdog said: “We launched an independent investigation following a mandatory conduct referral from Humberside Police and the Crime Commissioner’s Office.
“The referral, received on Monday (June 24), contains allegations about standards of conduct, largely related to communication and behavior towards colleagues.
“We will now carry out a thorough investigation, independent of the police, into the matters we have brought to our attention.”
The investigation at this stage is disciplinary. A seriousness test will now be carried out by the IOPC to assess whether there are any criminal cases and whether the alleged conduct, if proven, amounts to misconduct or much more serious gross misconduct.
The sudden loss of the chief constable leaves the force’s leadership in turmoil.
In a statement of Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, Jonathan Evisonpromised that Anderson’s retirement would not mean he avoids answering any charges.
The PCC said: “On Wednesday 12 June, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) received details of potential misconduct involving the Chief Constable.
“After further inquiries and due consideration, it became clear that the OPCC was required to refer the matter to the IOPC and this was done on Monday 24 June 2024.
“Late on Tuesday 25 June 2024, the OPCC received confirmation that the IOPC had launched an independent investigation.
“It was announced early yesterday that the Chief Constable is retiring after 34 years of service. The IOPC investigation will continue regardless of Paul Anderson’s retirement.
“The PCC is in discussions to provide interim leadership while the recruitment process for a new Chief Constable begins.”
Anderson took charge of the force with Humberside is rated as outstanding and the best performing force ever rated by the police inspectorate.
Humberside is the latest force to be plunged into turmoil following allegations against its chief constable.
Nick Adderley was sacked as Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police last week for lying about his military service.
The Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall, Will Kerr was suspended last year due to serious sexual allegationsin an ongoing investigation.
Last week West Mercia Force has lost its new Chief Constable, Kyle Gordon after a verification problem and thus left without a permanent guide.
In a statement on Tuesday announcing his retirement, Anderson said: “It has been a difficult decision to retire from the armed forces, but it is the right time for me personally to make this announcement.”
He has been in the police force for 34 years and joined Humberside Police as Assistant Chief Constable in 2019, becoming Deputy Chief Constable before rising to Chief Constable in August 2023.
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