Former Humberside chief constable to face no further action following conduct investigation

Following a referral from the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office in June 2024, the IOPC began an independent investigation into the conduct of Mr Anderson, who retired in July 2024.

“The allegations, if proven, were assessed as amounting to potential gross misconduct, and Mr Anderson was informed of this in November 2024,” the IOPC said.

The allegations were that Mr Anderson:

• Made discriminatory, offensive, inappropriate or insensitive comments in the presence of colleagues and external stakeholders;
• Relayed anecdotes appearing to suggest past actions that may have breached the police standards of professional behaviour;
• Made inappropriate use of police resources; and
• Abused his position to delay misconduct proceedings for his own benefit.

“The investigator’s report was completed in June 2025. As Mr Anderson had retired, legislation required us to determine whether he had a case to answer for gross misconduct, that is, whether there was evidence of actions so serious as to justify dismissal if proven,” the IOPC said.

Mr Anderson denied all the allegations. The IOPC said it did find “some evidence” of some comments that may not have been in line with the behaviour expected of a senior officer. However, some witnesses told the IOPC they believed his behaviour was “unintentional” in some cases or “not done with malicious intent”.

“Considering all the available evidence, we did not consider the alleged behaviour met the threshold for gross misconduct and found there was no case to answer in respect of the allegations raised,” said the IOPC.

IOPC director Emily Barry said: “Given the officer’s seniority, and the seriousness of the allegations made, it was important for there to be a thorough and independent investigation.

“We know how hard it can be to raise concerns about a colleague, especially when they are senior in rank. Whistleblowers and witnesses must feel supported to come forward where they have such concerns, knowing they will be listened to and taken seriously.

“In this case, the evidence did not indicate there was a case to answer for gross misconduct and so there will be no further action in respect of these allegations.”

Humberside deputy police and crime commissioner (PCC) Leo Hammond was appointed the Appropriate Authority for this matter when the PCC was required to provide a witness statement.

Welcoming the end of the investigation, he said: “This brings to a close an exceedingly thorough and completely independent investigation after which the IOPC determined that there is no case to answer.

“I would like to place on record our thanks to Paul Anderson for his long service and contribution to policing and community safety. We wish him every success in retirement.

“I should also like to acknowledge the work of the 2,300 police officers, plus PCSOs, Special Constables and police staff of Humberside Police who have continued to go out every day and to keep our communities safe whilst this investigation has been ongoing. Their commitment to get the job done for local residents and businesses is commendable and it is thanks to them that both crime and anti-social behaviour have continued to fall during this time.

“It is with them in mind that I express my disappointment at the number of so-called ‘leaks’ and disingenuous political commentary that have occurred throughout this investigation, ultimately delaying the outcome.

“This behaviour undermines public confidence in due process and policing. We trust the IOPC’s determination will put an end to this type of mischief-making, highlighting the importance of allowing independent investigations to proceed without interference.

“PCC Jonathan Evison, alongside the entire team at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, encourages the highest standards of conduct in Humberside Police.  We will continue to hold the chief constable to account to embed the learning the IOPC identified from this process, ensuring that concerns are reported to the appropriate authority in a timely manner and that it is clear who the appropriate authority is to direct concerns. We will also continue to work with the force to promote a positive culture built on ethics and professionalism —which is what the public rightly expects of their police force.”