Humberside chief constable announces retirement after inquiry into him begins
Paul Anderson is the latest chief constable to face questions over his conduct. Photograph: Humberside police
A chief constable has announced his retirement after being told he was under investigation for alleged inappropriate behaviour after complaints by junior staff, the Guardian has learned.
On Tuesday Paul Anderson’s retirement as leader of Humberside police was announced, just 10 months after taking the role.
On Wednesday, he was named by his police and crime commissioner as the subject of an inquiry. It was announced that the chief constable would be stepping down with immediate effect.
Multiple sources told the Guardian that the allegations include comments made about a Humberside police major investigation into a local funeral home. The inquiry 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 permanent leadership.
The investigation will be carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. In a statement, the police watchdog said: “We have begun an independent investigation after a mandatory conduct referral from the Humberside police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.
“The referral, received on Monday (24 June), contained allegations concerning standards of behaviour, largely related to communication and behaviour towards colleagues.
“We will now conduct a thorough investigation, independently of the police, into the matters brought to our attention.”
The investigation at this stage is a disciplinary one. A severity test will now be carried out by the IOPC to assess whether there are any criminal matters and whether the alleged behaviours if proven amount to misconduct or much more severe gross misconduct.
The sudden loss of the chief constable leaves the leadership of the force in turmoil.
In a statement the police and crime commissioner for Humberside, Jonathan Evison, promised that Anderson’s retirement will not mean he avoids answering any allegations.
The PCC said: “On Wednesday 12th June, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) received details of potential misconduct relating to the Chief Constable.
“Following further enquiries and due consideration it became apparent that the OPCC was obliged to refer the matter to the IOPC and this was done on Monday 24th June 2024.
“Confirmation was received by the OPCC late on Tuesday 25th June 2024 that the IOPC had begun an independent investigation.
“Early yesterday it was announced that the Chief Constable was retiring after 34 years of service. The IOPC investigation will continue notwithstanding Paul Anderson’s retirement.
“The PCC is in discussions to secure interim leadership whilst the recruitment process starts for a new Chief Constable.”
Anderson took over running the force with Humberside rated as outstanding and the best performing force ever assessed by the policing inspectorate.
Humberside is the latest force plunged into turmoil after allegations against its chief constable.
Last week Nick Adderley was sacked as chief constable of Northamptonshire police for lying about his military service.
Devon and Cornwall police’s chief constable, Will Kerr, was suspended last year over serious sexual allegationsin a protracted investigation.
Last week the West Mercia force lost its incoming new chief constable, Kyle Gordon after a vetting issue, and thus was left without permanent leadership.
In a statement on Tuesday announcing his retirement, Anderson said: “It has been a difficult decision to make to retire from the force but it is the right time for me personally to make this announcement.”
He 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.