A former chief constable is under investigation over claims he made offensive and discriminatory remarks, including one allegedly at an event to combat violence against women and girls, the Guardian has learned.
Paul Anderson retired in June from his post as chief constable of Humberside police. His departure was announced just 10 months after taking the role and he was placed under investigation by the police watchdog.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has now elevated the seriousness of its investigation and decided the allegations could amount to gross misconduct, the gravest level of disciplinary offence. It follows complaints made by other officers and staff.
Anderson is under investigation for “unprofessional behaviour, including making discriminatory, insensitive and offensive comments”, the IOPC said.
One remark being investigated was alleged to have been made at an event to boost the combatting of violence against women and girls. One source said a woman was present and heard the remark.
The allegations also include comments made about a Humberside police investigation into a Hull funeral home, which some police colleagues who were present said they found offensive.
The Guardian understands there are also new claims that concerns about Anderson were raised before his retirement was decided and then publicly announced.
The police superintendents’ association said concerns about Anderson were raised formally one month before his retirement.
Dan Murphy, the PSA assistant national secretary, said: “Members of the police superintendents’ association first reported concerns to Humberside police chief officers relating to allegations of misconduct regarding the former chief constable on 23 May 2024.”
In a statement the IOPC signalled it was trying to get formal statements from the officers understood to have concerns, but was yet to have talked to their investigators.
The IOPC said: “We continue to independently investigate allegations referred to us by the Humberside police and crime commissioner’s office, relating to a former senior officer.”
Sources say the number of alleged whistleblowers may run into double figures or beyond.
The IOPC’s statement continued: “Investigators have gathered and reviewed a significant amount of information, including witness statements. Efforts are ongoing to obtain additional statements as part of our inquiries.
“Following a review of the available evidence, we have now informed the former officer that they are under investigation for potential gross misconduct. This relates to allegations of unprofessional behaviour, including making discriminatory, insensitive and offensive comments, and that they used their senior position to interfere with the outcome of a disciplinary matter.
“The serving of a misconduct notice does not necessarily mean that misconduct proceedings will follow. As with all our investigations, the status of those involved will remain under review throughout.”
Anderson took over running the force with Humberside rated as outstanding and the best-performing force ever assessed by the policing inspectorate.
Sources said a chasm had emerged between staff and the leadership.
A spokesperson for Humberside police said: “The IOPC investigation into former chief constable Paul Anderson is independent of Humberside police and reports to the office of the police and crime commissioner. As such the force has no oversight of the investigation and therefore is unable to comment.”
A spokesperson for Humberside’s police and crime commissioner said: “We have been made aware of the outcome of the latest IOPC severity assessment of the allegations made against the former chief constable and that the investigation continues. As this remains a live investigation we cannot comment further.”
Anderson worked in policing for 34 years and joined Humberside police as an assistant chief constable in 2019, becoming deputy chief constable before rising to chief constable in August 2023.
