Commissioner wants Northamptonshire police chief probe done 'soon'

A commissioner wants a criminal investigation into his police chief to be finished "sooner rather than later"

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an inquiry into Northamptonshire Police's Chief Constable Nick Adderley.

It was looking into the medals he had been seen wearing and allegedly misrepresenting his military service.

The county's police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) Stephen Mold said it was "in the hands" of the IOPC.

Mr Adderley was suspended in October following a complaint.

He previously said he "looks forward" to responding to the IOPC inquiry.

Mr Mold told BBC Radio Northampton: "This is a period of uncertainty we could do without.

"I am hoping that we got something sooner rather than later.

"I'm pushing the IOPC [so] that they can move it forward as fast a possible."

The IOPC said it was unable to provide an update on its inquiries but previously said it be been investigating Mr Adderley since July.

Mr Adderley became Northamptonshire's chief constable in 2018 and was due to step down this year but was offered a new contract which increased his salary to £165,000.

He is currently suspended on full pay, which the commissioner's office said was in line with regulations.

Mr Mold told the police, fire and crime panel on Thursday the force has "sufficient contingency" to continue paying Mr Adderley throughout this period.

He has appointed Ivan Balhatchet as Acting Chief Constable which he told the panel would provide "continuity and leadership for the force".

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