PCC makes decision in former Chief Constable misconduct case
Last updated 31st Jul 2023
An ex-Cleveland Police chief has been barred from police after being found guilty of gross misconduct.
Michael Veale was found guilty of making repeated unwanted sexual remarks to junior colleagues in 2018.
Veale was in a car with a female colleague, more than three ranks his junior, when he read out a positive email from a local councillor, he then said to the officer ‘Go on, you can touch yourself now’.
Steve Turner, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner reviewed the findings of the misconduct panel when considering disciplinary action.
Today, in accordance with Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cleveland considered whether disciplinary action should be imposed on Chief Constable Veale.
The PCC has determined that the gross misconduct in question was so serious that the only appropriate sanction is for disciplinary action to be imposed in relation to it, and had Mr Veale been serving he would have been dismissed.
Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner said: “Following a misconduct hearing in June, I have today considered the Panel’s recommendation. I have found that the gross misconduct in question was so serious that the only appropriate sanction is for disciplinary action to be imposed.
“Had Mr Veale still been a serving officer, he would have been dismissed. Anything short of dismissal of a Chief Constable for sexualised conduct toward a less senior officer would send a message to the public and to police officers that such conduct is not taken seriously in the police. It very much is taken seriously.
“I recognise that the investigation into Mr Veale’s conduct and the subsequent proceedings have taken longer than anticipated, and longer than anyone would have wanted, to come to a resolution. I thank all involved for their patience and co-operation.
“I will continue to work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure standards of professional behaviour are upheld and public confidence in Cleveland Police is maintained.”