The former chief constable of Humberside Police, Paul Anderson, has been formally served a “notice for misconduct,” according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The notice comes after an investigation was launched into allegations concerning his behaviour and communication with colleagues, just a day after Anderson announced plans to retire in June.
The IOPC has confirmed that its inquiries are “continuing to progress,” though serving a misconduct notice does not necessarily mean that misconduct proceedings will follow. The police watchdog is continuing to gather and review evidence related to the case.
Jonathan Evison, Humberside’s police and crime commissioner (PCC), acknowledged his awareness of the IOPC’s progress but declined to comment further while the investigation remains ongoing.
The timeline of events began on 12 June, when details of potential misconduct were sent to the PCC. By 24 June, the PCC referred the allegations to the IOPC, and Anderson announced his retirement a day later. The investigation formally began on 25 June, and Humberside Police confirmed it would “cooperate fully” with the IOPC.
Mr Anderson is facing allegations of misconduct that revolve around “standards of behaviour, largely related to communication and behaviour towards colleagues,” according to the IOPC. The police force itself has refrained from commenting, noting that the investigation is overseen by the PCC and the IOPC.
In the aftermath of Anderson’s departure, Judi Heaton, a former assistant chief constable from Police Scotland, has stepped in as Humberside’s interim chief constable for a six-month period. Efforts to permanently fill the position have been hampered, with a July recruitment drive—offering a salary of £171,000—failing to attract any applicants. The PCC has confirmed plans to readvertise the role in October.
The investigation into Anderson continues as the IOPC reviews further evidence before deciding whether to proceed with formal misconduct proceedings.