Timeline for Chief Constable misconduct allegation

Following a news report whereby it is alleged that the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) had been provided with details of misconduct allegations for Paul Anderson at the end of May, the PCC has provided a full breakdown of the timeline to make clear that timely action was taken as soon as information that met a referable standard was provided to the OPCC. 

A telephone call was received on the evening of May 28^thby a member of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) informing them that there was potential for a misconduct referral regarding the Chief Constable. During this call the details of the allegations were limited, and it was made clear that to act, the OPCC would require details in writing. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s original statement is correct in that the OPCC received the referral in writing on June 12^th from a senior police officer.

On receipt of the referral the OPCC liaised immediately with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to determine if the referral met the threshold for investigation. It did not meet a misconduct threshold. However, In the referral, there was an indication that there may be further information available to support an investigation. To ensure nothing was being missed that would make the referral of a referable misconduct standard, the OPCC reached out to the individuals on June 13^th to request if they could meet on June 14^th, to see if there was any further information that they would be prepared to share.

Communication exchanges took place between the OPCC and a staff association to negotiate time to take any further information. The staff association offered a meeting date of June 19^th. At this meeting two members of the OPCC, met with the individuals and confirmed at the time of the meeting that there was sufficient information shared for the OPCC to make a further referral to the IOPC.

On the afternoon of the 19^th June, the PCC was briefed on the allegations, and it was agreed to seek legal advice to manage the referral to the IOPC. The first meeting with legal council took place on the 19^th June. The IOPC referral form required completion and legal review which was completed over that weekend.

On Monday 24^th June the PCC referred the allegations to the IOPC and called Paul Anderson to attend his office to inform him of the referral. At this meeting Paul Anderson offered his retirement, effective from July 1^st, the force announced his retirement on June 25^th. On Tuesday 25^ththe IOPC confirmed they were to begin an investigation into the misconduct of Paul Anderson. On Wednesday 26^th June the OPCC released a further statement confirming this. 

Within two working days of the PCC having sufficient information, of a referrable standard to submit a misconduct referral, this was referred to the IOPC. The Chief Constable had exited the force within the days following. 

This information, and all evidence cited in news reports has already been brought to the attention of the Independent Office of Police Conduct as part of their ongoing investigation.  As per previous statements, the PCC wishes to reiterate to anyone involved that there are proper routes to proceed with complaints or allegations of misconduct. There will be no further comment to media on any aspects of this investigation until the matter has been concluded.