Senior North Yorkshire Police officer being investigated over criminal offence

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating whether a senior North Yorkshire Police officer was involved in a criminal offence.

The IOC said it received a conduct referral from the force on April 30 relating to information provided by the officer — who has not been named — during a series of vetting procedures.

A spokesperson added: “Our independent investigation began on May 3 and will look at whether the officer may have committed, or witnessed and failed to report, a criminal offence.

“The investigation will also consider whether the officer knowingly failed to disclose information during a number of vetting processes since that time.

“We have now notified the officer that they are under criminal investigation in relation to these matters.

“We have also served a notice informing them we are investigating potential gross misconduct relating to alleged breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour for: honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; and discreditable conduct. ”

The IOPC said it had been advised that the officer had been suspended from duty by the force.

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.”