Retiring Humberside Police Chief Constable being investigated for alleged misconduct

The outgoing Chief Constable for Humberside Police is being investigated for alleged misconduct, it was announced today.

Yesterday, Paul Anderson announced he'd made the "difficult decision" to retire less than a year after he took up the Chief Constable post in August 2023 and following a 34-year career in policing. He said it had been a "privilege to serve the communities of Hull, the East Riding, North and North East Lincolnshire".

Today, a further statement from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Humberside, Jonathan Evison, said a case of alleged misconduct involving Mr Anderson was referred to the police watchdog on Monday. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed on Tuesday it would investigate the case and Mr Anderson publicly announced his retirement.

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The statement from The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside read: "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. As this is now a live investigation the PCC will make no further comment. The PCC is in discussions to secure interim leadership whilst the recruitment process starts for a new Chief Constable."

There are no details on the nature of the allegation. Mr Anderson's policing career stretched more than 30 years and he was Assistant Chief Constable at Humberside Police for two years before he was promoted.

On his retirement, Mr Anderson said: "It has been a privilege to serve the communities of Hull, the East Riding, North and North East Lincolnshire. Humberside is an outstanding force made up of both officers and staff who are dedicated to making a difference to the communities they represent.

"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. It has and will always be my absolute honour to have served the public."