New PCC tells chief constable shes at risk for a failing force
A new police and crime commissioner (PCC) has re-iterated a pre-election threat to put his forces virtually invisible chief constable on six months probation.
May 11, 2016
By Nick Hudson
A new police and crime commissioner (PCC) has re-iterated a pre-election threat to put his forces virtually invisible chief constable on six months probation.
Humberside PCC Keith Hunter admitted that Chief Constable Justine Currans position is at risk as the responsibility for a series of critical inspection reports on the failing force ended at her door.
Labours surprise victor in last weeks polls defeating incumbent PCC Matthew Grove who he also described as out of his depth said Ms Curran needed to be more high profile.
The former chief superintendent told BBC Radio Humberside that he intended to take a different approach as PCC with the chief constable expected to assume a similar position to one previously adopted by Mr Grove.
Mr Hunter said: The last PCC assumed the role as spokesman of Humberside Police. I am not going to be that.
The chief [constable] will have to take a step forward if I take a step back. I will publically hold the chief constable to account. And it will up to her to take that step forward and fill that gap.
The confrontational approach by the newly-elected PCC, who spent 30 years with Humberside Police, began at the hustings in Hull just days before the election on Thursday (May 5).
Asked by an audience member if he would sack Ms Curran if elected, Mr Hunter replied: “Everyone deserves a chance. I will give the chief constable a limited period of time to convince me she can turn the force around.
“If there are no signs of improvement the chief constable will not survive.”
He also claimed the chief constable had been “virtually invisible” since taking up her role. On Tuesday (May 10), he made his position clear once more.
Questioned over whether he had doubts about Ms Curran, he said: I dont have doubts but I want to be convinced by the chief constable.
But I think a force that was rated inadequate, and then requires improvement in its two primary areas of efficiency and effectiveness, needs some serious action.
I do know there are still some serious problems in the force.
Going on the offensive, he added: I think it is reasonable to say I expect within six months to convince me there are plans in place to dramatically improve the performance of Humberside Police.
We have a force by any standards that is seen as failing at the moment.
He said it would not be right to suggest that the chief constables job was not at risk but it was important to give her a chance.
Mr Hunter said removing Ms Curran from office was absolutely the last thing I would want to do as it leads to disruption.
He argued: This force requires some certainty behind a direction of travel. The last thing I want to do is go in and create uncertainty.
A spokesperson said the force was not planning to comment on Mr Hunters radio interview but told Police Professional that Ms Curran is looking forward to working with Keith Hunter in serving our local communities and keeping them safe.
During the election campaign, Mr Hunter also criticised Mr Grove.
He said of him: “The incumbent police and crime commissioner is out of his depth it is time for a professional with a proven track record of delivering high quality policing across Humberside to turn things around.
“I am a candidate with vast experience, who understands policing and how it fits into the wider justice system and someone with a record of challenging justice