Police launch search for new chief constable

Humberside's police and crime commissioner has launched a recruitment process for a new chief constable, with a salary of about £171,000.

The former chief, Paul Anderson, announced his retirement from Humberside Police on 25 June and left on Monday.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed on 26 June that Mr Anderson is being investigated for allegations of misconduct.

Judi Heaton has come out of retirement to take temporary charge of the force for the next six months.

A job advertisement on the website of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner calls for a leader "able to continue to drive excellence in performance and ensure the force realises its maximum potential".

A contract of up to five years would include a salary of about £171,519, plus or minus 10%. The closing date for applications is 9 August.

The new chief would be charged with "creating a vision and setting direction and culture that builds public and organisational confidence and trust".

The advertisement states: "Whilst performance is consistently good there is the ongoing challenge of ensuring the communities we serve truly feel the benefit of a high performing force."

On 25 June, Mr Anderson released a statement via the force announcing a "difficult decision" to retire. He had been in the role for less than a year.

The IOPC said the complaints against Mr Anderson were "largely related to communication and behaviour towards colleagues".

It added: "We will now conduct a thorough investigation, independently of the police, into the matters brought to our attention."

Humberside Police said it would "co-operate fully" with the IOPC investigation and would not make any further comment on the matter.

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