Chief Constable Nick Adderley suspended following complaint
Chief Constable Nick Adderley has been suspended while an independent investigation into allegations about his conduct takes place.
Northamptonshire’s police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) Stephen Mold took the decision on Monday (October 16) and said it was in the best interest of the force and Mr Adderley.
It comes after a complaint from a member of the public concerning the conduct of the Northamptonshire Police chief constable, which centred around his military service, was received by the Office of the Northamptonshire PFCC.
Mr Adderley joined the police service in 1992 following a career in the Royal Navy, as both a cadet and in regular service.
A mandatory referral of the complaint was made to the Independent Office For Police Conduct (IOPC), which is now formally investigating the allegations.
Mr Mold said that after “careful consideration of the situation”, and after taking independent legal advice, he has suspended the chief constable while the allegations against him are independently investigated.
Mr Mold said he believed “it was in the public interest, in the interest of the force, and of the chief constable himself that he be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation”.
He said the suspension will be kept under regular review as the investigation progresses
“Allegations of misconduct must always be fully, independently investigated so that the public have confidence in the integrity of the police service and the processes that independently hold policing to account,” said Mr Mold.
“That independent investigation must now be allowed to take its course and we will not be commenting further on matters related to the investigation.
“My focus will be on ensuring that Northamptonshire receives the best possible policing service and I know that the officers and staff of Northamptonshire Police will continue to focus, as they do every day, on their mission to constantly improve the way they tackle crime, keep people safe and serve the communities and neighbourhoods of this county.”
In a statement, the IOPC said: “We are investigating allegations that the chief constable of Northamptonshire Police, Nick Adderley, has potentially misrepresented his military service, both in public and in communications with the PFCC. The investigation has followed assessment of a referral from the Office of the PFCC for Northamptonshire.
Mr Mold said Deputy Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet will lead the organisation while interim arrangements are formalised.
Mr Adderley became chief constable at Northamptonshire Police in August 2018.
He is the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for disclosure and safeguarding, as well as police motorcycling and the criminal use of motorcycles.