North Yorkshire officer under investigation by police watchdog
They've been suspended by the force
Last updated 15th May 2024
A senior North Yorkshire Police officer is under investigation by the police watchdog.
Th Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) say they're looking into a referral from the force, about information provided by the officer during a series of vetting procedures.
The investigation will look at whether they may have committed, or witnessed and failed to report, a criminal offence.
It'll also consider whether the officer knowingly failed to disclose information during a number of vetting processes since that time.
They've now been suspended by North Yorkshire Police.
IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said:
“These are serious allegations and it is important that we carry out a thorough investigation to determine the facts. This will be carried out by the IOPC, entirely independently of the police.
“However, I would stress that these remain allegations at this time and this does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.
“At the end 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.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
"We made a referral to the IOPC on 30 April 2024, and the officer has been suspended from duty. It would not be appropriate to comment further due to the IOPC's ongoing investigation."
A spokesperson for the York & North Yorkshire Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning said:
“The Independent Office for Police Conduct perform a vital role in independently assessing and investigating matters that are referred to them whether by Police Forces, Mayors, or Commissioners.
“The Mayor reassures the public of York and North Yorkshire that this announcement by the Independent Office for Police Conduct does not affect the strategic leadership in place within North Yorkshire Police.”