The police watchdog has confirmed that they have launched an investigation into allegations against a senior police officer, belived to be of chief officer rank.
It said in a statement they said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct is criminally investigating an allegation that a senior North Yorkshire Police officer may have provided a false or misleading account to avoid receiving a sanction for a speeding offence.
“After being made aware of the allegation, we used our power of initiative in November to begin an independent investigation.”
The unnamed officer has been told they are under criminal investigation for the potential offences of misconduct in public office, improper exercise of police powers and intent to pervert the course of justice.
The IOPC is also investigating gross misconduct in relation to potential breaches of the police Standards of Professional Behaviour regarding honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities, and conduct.
The subject officer has been suspended from duty.
IOPC director David Ford says: “Where a serious allegation such as this is made, it is important for a thorough investigation to take place to uncover the facts.
“In light of the nature of the allegation and the seniority of the officer involved, this will be carried out by the IOPC, independently of the police.
“I would like to make clear that the launching of an criminal investigation does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.
“At the conclusion of the investigation, we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.
“Our investigation is at an early stage, and we will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said they were aware of the investigation, adding: “It would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing investigation and as it is led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct all enquiries should be directed to them at this stage.”
The North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct perform a vital role in independently investigating serious allegations of wrongdoing.
“I would like to reassure the public of York and North Yorkshire that this does not affect the continuity of leadership in place within North Yorkshire Police and that the Chief Officer Team have my full support and confidence going forward.”
Whilst a presumption of innocence must apply, the biography of her deputy, Maboob Hussain, (pictured above left) has, curiously, been removed from the force website. His LinkedIn and Twitter (‘X’) social media pages also appear inaccessible.
“I’m thrilled to confirm Mabs as our new Deputy Chief Constable and I offer him a very warm welcome to North Yorkshire. His extensive policing background and experience will be a credit to the force and I am very much looking forward to working with him as part of our Chief Officer Team.”
Jenni Newberry, Acting North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, added:
“On behalf of the team at the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I would like to congratulate Mabs Hussain on being selected by the Chief Constable to be her new Deputy here in North Yorkshire and York.
“Our Executive Management Team has been involved in this selection process which was made difficult in the best of ways by the quality of the candidates being considered. We are grateful to those who applied and are confident Mabs’ appointment is the right one to support Lisa Winward and the whole of North Yorkshire Police continue their efforts to be the best they can be at keeping us safe and feeling safe.”
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Page last updated: Thursday 21st December, 2023 at 0725 hours
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