Claims made of ‘inappropriate practices’ at PCC’s office & ‘unprofessional culture’ in Humberside Police exec team

SCRUTINY: Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison speaking to The Hull Story earlier this year

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Allegations have been made of “inappropriate practices” in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and an “unprofessional and inappropriate culture” within the Humberside Police executive team.

The news comes on the day Humberside was praised in a largely positive inspection report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), in which the force received three “outstanding” gradings across eight areas of core policing.

However, the report summary by Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer expressed concern over the recent sudden change in leadership of the force, which happened after the inspection.

Andy Cooke, Chief Inspector of Constabulary, has also sent a letter to Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Evison, in which he has raised “serious concerns” about “instability in the senior leadership”.

Former Chief Constable Paul Anderson announced his retirement on June 25, less than a year after taking command. On June 26, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed he was being investigated over alleged misconduct. The same day, Mr Evison revealed the OPCC had received “details of potential misconduct” relating to Mr Anderson on June 12, and had referred the matter to the IOPC on June 24.

The PCC is responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account over the force’s performance.

It was announced on July 1 that retired officer Judi Heaton had been temporarily appointed Chief Constable for up to six months.

Now, Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy, Hull East MP Karl Turner, Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn and Scunthorpe MP Sir Nicholas Dakin have written a joint letter to Susan Whittaker, Chair of the Humberside Police and Crime Panel, expressing concern about the allegations of inappropriate practices and an unprofessional culture.

SUDDEN RETIREMENT: Former Humberside Police Chief Constable Paul Anderson

In the letter, they also call for Mr Evison to not be involved in the interviews for the next Chief Constable.

The Police and Crime Panel’s responsibilities include scrutinising the actions and decisions of the PCC.

The letter states: “We have recently been advised of a number of allegations relating to inappropriate practices within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and of allegations of an unprofessional and inappropriate culture within the executive team of Humberside Police.

“You will be aware that just two years ago Humberside Police was rated as being ‘Outstanding’, having undertaken significant improvements to meet the metrics expected of the police forces across the country.

“This progress was welcomed by us all and we believe is a reflection of the effort and dedication of the staff and officers who go out to work for the residents of the region every day.

“The recent report does show good practice but also the real potential for future decline in performance because of the current issues faced.

“As you will be aware, the Chief Constable Paul Anderson announced his intention to retire on 25 June, the same day as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced it had opened an investigation into allegations of misconduct against him.

“A lack of confidence in the conduct and leadership of the current force executive team and the OPCC has also been raised with us by officers and staff of all levels, along with questions relating to the public timeline of events leading to the resignation of Paul Anderson.

CONCERNS: Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy

“A recruitment process to appoint a new Chief Constable has failed to attract a suitable candidate. This is a matter of concern, as the current arrangement does not give us confidence that these serious issues will be addressed.

“In the event of the next round of a selection process, we would request that the interview process is done independently of the Police and Crime Commissioner, or with independent monitoring and oversight.

“The people of the area served by the Humberside Police force deserve and expect the highest quality and integrity from their officers. This starts from the top and we need reassurance.”

The OPCC and Humberside Police have both been approached for comment.